ã€ŠTwo Broken Roadsã€‹


 The Blindside

    I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing.

    Megan was my high school sweetheart. She was the true love who stayed loyal within a long-distance relationship during college, and the woman who became my wife three years earlier. But there she was, sitting across the kitchen table telling me she was leaving.

    ¡°Megan, what¡¯s going on? Where¡¯s this coming from?¡±

    ¡°Ben, I said I¡¯m leaving and I¡¯m filing for a divorce.¡± Her voice was mechanical, as though she had spent a lot of time rehearsing how she would say this. Her eyes stared down at the table. She squirmed in her chair like it was getting uncomfortably hot. A dark curtain of silence hung between us for uncomfortable quiet moments.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    More silence. More squirming.

    I tried to process every thought and emotion as they boiled within me. It felt like someone hit me in the gut with a baseball bat. My head was throbbing. My heart was pounding and my stomach threatened to reject whatever was left in it. Tears were quickly building up and starting to overflow. It was Friday, and I just walked in from a horrendous week at work. And now the woman I completely trusted and adored was hitting me with the worst sucker punch I could imagine.

    More silence. She just kept looking down, refusing to meet my eyes. Seconds felt like hours while every emotion within me started to erupt. My self-control was pushed to the limits.

    ¡°DAMN IT!¡± Megan jumped in her seat and shriveled into herself. ¡°Look at me and tell me what¡¯s going on!¡± I shouted. I had never yelled at her before.

    She looked desperately afraid of me. I never thought I¡¯d have cause to make her feel that way. Even now and in these circumstances, I would put my life on the line to be sure she never experienced fear. But she put my limits to the test. I loved this woman with everything that word means. I stood by and believed that our promises and vows were real and could not be compromised. I thought she believed the same, but it seemed I was very wrong.

    I saw her tears dripping on the table as she continued to stare down. I could see she was forcing herself not to sob, but her eyes wouldn¡¯t cooperate. I got up and turned to lean on the counter, both to give her some space and to hide that my eyes weren¡¯t cooperating at holding back my own tears.

    I had never felt so overwhelmed and helpless. I was being torn in half without any warning. Nothing prepared me to deal with this life-shattering pain. I strained for clues. I never saw anything in her change. Nothing changed in our communication. I shared everything and thought she did the same. Had I stopped being attentive? I still held the door for her, held her hands when we walked together or rode in the car. Our physical love life was still frequent, and every indication pointed to her feeling loved and satisfied. Even that past weekend we played and experimented in bed. She seemed more than excited for those intimate times. Was that all an act? Was it a lie? It had to be. It felt like whatever was going on has been brewing for a long time and I was none the wiser. I realized I¡¯ve been a fool. I¡¯ve been played.

    But why?

    I tried to soften the tension. ¡°Megan¡­ did you¡­ did you ever¡­ love me?¡±

    She choked back a sob and shivered in fear. ¡°Yes.¡±

    It seemed I might start to get some answers if I kept my back turned and spoke very softly. She wouldn¡¯t, and maybe couldn¡¯t, look me in the eyes.

    ¡°Megan, do you still believe I love you?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Her response was quick and almost challenging.

    ¡°Do you still love me¡­ or is that gone?¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    She began to sob more openly. I heard her get up, so I turned as she slowly walked toward the side door that led out to the driveway. She stopped facing the doorway, trying to gather the strength to answer my question.

    ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s not that simple.¡±

    ¡°What can you possibly mean by not that simple? What are you trying to tell me?¡± I fought to calm my voice. She was clearly scared and wanted to dart out the door.

    ¡°Are you having an affair? Have you slept with someone else?¡± I feared this answer more than anything.

    ¡°No.¡±

    I wanted that to be good news, but it still didn¡¯t answer why. My patience was holding on by a thread. I needed clarity. I needed answers. Still, I fought to stay calm.

    ¡°Then why do you suddenly want to rip us apart? No discussion? No option for counseling? No recourse? Why today, two weeks before Christmas no less, you just want to throw us away?¡±

    I tried to remove any sense of threat in my voice. I kept my distance hoping it would give her a feeling of security and freedom to give me answers. I was grasping at straws trying to find some way out of this that ended with her flying into my arms to take it all back.

    Her sobbing grew in intensity. ¡°Ben, I knew I wouldn¡¯t be able to tell you everything face to face. I¡¯ve packed and I¡¯m going to my sister¡¯s tonight. The answers you need are in this letter.¡± She dropped an envelope on the counter by the door. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to you in a few days.¡±

    "The door closed with a sudden finality as she scrambled away."

    I stood there in stunned silence. ¡°This has to be a nightmare,¡± I thought to myself. I watched through the window as she flew into her car and race off almost as if she thought I¡¯d be chasing her.

    I paced the kitchen trying to wrestle with my thoughts. My emotions were in overdrive. My knees were weak.

    I had to sit. My adrenalin was putting a strain on my whole body. My stomach was tumbling and turning like laundry in a clothes dryer. Sweat poured from me, caused by an internal furnace of anger and hurt. Composure seemed out of my reach.

    Gaining enough control of my gut, I felt able to retrieve the letter although I was dreading what it contained. Would it tell me I messed up? Did I deserve this somehow?

    Reaching for the letter was like reaching into a fire. I had never experienced pain like that. I was anxious to read it, and yet I was deathly afraid of what it may reveal.

    Part of me wanted to tear it up and chase after her to get the answers face to face. At least she told me where she was going. But she thought this course of action through for a reason. I gently picked it up as if it carried the plague. I walked to our¡ªwell¡ªI guess it was just my bedroom. Whatever secrets it contained had me panicked. The walls were closing in. I was caged.

    Walking into the bedroom I immediately noticed her closet and drawers were empty. The master bath looked void of feminine occupancy. Her pillows were gone while mine remained. She¡¯d had it planned. She must have been preparing from the time I left for work.

    Again, I wondered how long she thought of this. Only two nights ago we had made love. It was long and tender and, I thought, very loving. We cuddled afterward. I made some stupid comment that we were getting really good at the practice sessions, maybe we should think about making babies for real. I remembered her turning away mumbling something about not tonight.

    Then a memory from that night sent a chill of fear down my spine. I remembered saying goodnight and that I loved her. All she said was goodnight. She never failed to return sentiments of love.

    Damn! ¡°Was that night her goodbye to me?¡± I asked myself out loud.

    I tore the envelope open, unable to help noticing how thick it was. ¡°What the¡­!¡± I pulled out the contents and found it had twenty-one pages. They were numbered. ¡°How cruelly organized,¡± I thought. How could she fill that many pages of secrets without me having a clue about what they were?

    My hands shook as I took it all in.

    In summary, the letter said that while we were in college she had an affair. I guess when she answered ¡°no¡± to that question earlier, she chose only to count our married years. I always thought that, like me, she never slept with anyone else in her life. A new pain of betrayal grabbed me by the heart. A wedding night memory surfaced like a blow to the chest. She seemed a lot more skilled in bed than I would have expected of a virgin. I should have seen it!

    She never named him. He was a year ahead of her in college and was always open with her that he was taking a position with a global company. They planned on sending him to their Singapore office. He moved to Asia the week after graduation. About a year earlier he moved back to work in the Chicago office and had contacted her.

    A year? He had been pursuing her for a year and I had no clue? Am I that clueless?

    Her letter was adamant that they had not had sex since his return. She took three pages to say that in multiple ways. It almost didn¡¯t matter. Just talking with him was betrayal as far as I was concerned. Everything she tried to explain appeared to be an attempt to ease my mind, but instead the knife in my heart was sinking deeper with every hollow sentiment.

    She further explained in great, over-complicated detail that they knew their love was, and I quote, ¡°A true love that could not be denied.¡± She agreed a month earlier to leave me and marry him as soon as the divorce was final.

    So she met with him for a year, and had her mind made up to leave me for the past month? I felt like an ignorant fool. Work had been especially rough, but I made sure I didn¡¯t let that impact our relationship. What clues did I miss?

    I was only fifteen pages into the letter when I read that last part and a panicked thought struck me. I ran to the computer tripping over the side chair and opened our checking, savings, and investment accounts. Nothing was touched. Everything was there. Wow! I was both surprised and relieved. I would deal with changing all the accounts during business hours the next day, but I still had more pages to read of her tome of betrayal.

    I should have been more patient with my reading. Her letter explained that her ¡°true love¡± was well paid, and the company was generous after his Singapore assignment. She said she felt bad enough for what she had to do to me so she didn¡¯t want any of our money. The momentary relief from financial concern didn¡¯t take away the pain and even increased my sense of anxiety.

    The depressing declaration of her departure continued. She wrote page after page of worthless sentiment with claims of how she really did love and care for me. Her words were like a slap in the face. They were empty words that rubbed lemon juice into my raw wounds. I sensed some sincerity in her profession of continued love. She was deeply emotional during her departure. But she still made a choice. Love doesn¡¯t make that choice. She made a self-centered, selfish decision.

    ¡°True love?¡± I thought. She said several times in her letter. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what we had?¡± I laid back on the bed and couldn¡¯t hold back the tears.

 True Friends

    I couldn¡¯t face this alone. Bobby and his wife Sarah were our¡ªwell¡ªI guess my best friends. Collecting myself as much as possible, I called Bobby¡¯s cell.

    ¡°Hey, Ben. How ya doin¡¯, old buddy?¡±

    ¡°Hi. Uhhh¡­ could you guys¡­ can you come over?¡±

    ¡°Geez. Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Can you come?¡±

    ¡°Hang on. We¡¯ll be there in five minutes.¡±

    We had never needed to knock on each other¡¯s doors. They walked in and saw me on the couch. I completely lost it. They didn¡¯t have a clue what was wrong. They just sandwiched me in a supportive hug while I emptied what tears I had left.

    Sarah kept asking for some shred of information. ¡°My God, Ben! What¡¯s going on? Where¡¯s Megan? Did something bad happen to her?¡±

    I started to calm down a bit. Not sure I could speak, I picked up the letter and just handed it to her. Bobby came around next to her to see what it was. They only needed to read the first sentence or two to understand, and Sarah turned to me without a word and just held me.

    Bobby got up. ¡°Crap! I can¡¯t believe she could do this!¡± He shuffled to the fridge, grabbed a beer for each of us, came back and sat in the chair across from the couch as he plunked three bottles on the coffee table.

    Sarah just kept hugging me from the side. Neither said a word while they waited for me to open up. Sarah eventually reached for her beer and handed me mine, which provided enough of a mood breaker for me to start communicating.

    I could only utter a few quiet words. ¡°Just scan the letter for the whole story. See if you can make any sense of this.¡±

    I took my first guzzle of beer and noticed Bobby moving back next to Sarah and they started to read. Sarah was dumbfounded. She quietly mumbled to herself but loud enough for us all to hear.

    ¡°Megan is my best friend¡­ how did I not know?¡±

    Bobby quickly decided to let Sarah read the details. She would summarize it for him later.

    ¡°Ben, why don¡¯t you join me in the kitchen? We¡¯ll let Sarah read it and she can summarize for me later.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Okay.¡±

    We sat at the kitchen table and glared at our beer as if the bottles held the answers.

    ¡°Ben, you didn¡¯t see this coming at all, did you?¡±

    I shook my head.

    ¡°With all my heart I wish we could fix this, but all we can do is be here for you and support you. It¡¯s getting late. You need to sleep. We¡¯re staying here tonight, and we¡¯ll try to help you start picking up the pieces tomorrow.¡±

    I was tempted to argue but knew it would do no good. Plus, I really didn¡¯t want to be totally alone. The loneliness already consumed me like a black hole.

    After a few moments, I slowly rose from the table.  ¡°You guys stay in the master suite on the bigger bed. I don¡¯t want to be in there tonight. I¡¯ll use the guest room.¡±

    Bobby got up gave me a hug. Not a man hug, but a solid friend hug. ¡°Ben, we¡¯re glad you called us. We love you man and want to help any way we can. It¡¯s late. Go try and get some sleep.¡±

    I wanted to answer him with similar friendly affection but couldn¡¯t make my mouth work. ¡°G¡¯night¡­ and thanks.¡±  I went to the guest room, flopped down, and sobbed into my pillow.

    I started getting angry at myself for crying like a baby, but I had always worn my emotions on my sleeve. Either way, I was a mess. Years ago, I stopped worrying about letting my emotions show. It was who I am and I was okay with it. I let my tears pull me into a restless sleep.

    Bobby and Sarah were perfect friends. Without their help and care, that night would have been unbearable.

    In the morning I awoke to the smell of coffee brewing and thought for a moment that Megan was getting breakfast together. Realizing I was in the guest room brought me back to the depressing truth. Sarah must be awake and brewing some morning elixir. After showering I joined Bobby and Sarah in the kitchen and greeted them with a forced smile.

    Sarah had prepared a big breakfast for us. I didn¡¯t think I could eat, but after a few bites of eggs and bacon I realized I hadn¡¯t eaten anything the previous night. I dug in with a ravenous need to fill the void.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    While we ate we tried to talk, making light conversation about anything other than the obvious subject.

    Once we finished eating, Sarah started cleaning up while Bobby took me into the den. We made a list of things we needed to do to protect my interests and started the process of getting things in order for the newly defined existence that was forced upon me. Sarah joined us once the kitchen tasks were finished.

    There was one task on the list that I dreaded more than any of the others, and as I saw Sarah I had a sudden inspiration of a way to avoid it.

    ¡°Sarah, I can¡¯t thank you enough for breakfast. I really needed that.¡±

    ¡°Ben, I¡¯m just happy to help.¡±

    ¡°You both are really awesome, but, Sarah, I need to ask for a huge favor.¡±

    ¡°Sure Ben! Anything!¡±

    ¡°Could you call my mother and our friends, especially those at church, and let them know? I don¡¯t think I can bear the conversations and I don¡¯t want them to find out through some unofficial grapevine.¡±

    ¡°Gosh, Ben, of course. Anything to help. But what should I tell them?¡±

    I pondered my answer. ¡°Please keep it simple. Let them know we don¡¯t know the details of what all caused this until I sort it out. Ask my mother to tell the rest of the family. But please, ask them not to deluge me with calls. Tell Mom to give me 3 or 4 days. The others maybe a week or so. I can¡¯t bear the thought of having the same conversation over and over again.¡±

    ¡°You know your mom! She¡¯s going to make your dad bring her right over.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± I replied. ¡°But I don¡¯t want them making the three-hour trip and I really can¡¯t bear the thought of them being here right now. Can you convince her? Let her know you and Bobby have me for now?¡±

    Sarah smiled. ¡°I know your mom is pretty strong-willed, but I can be pretty assertive too.¡±

    A little tear escaped as I forced an appreciative smile. ¡°Thank you!¡±

    Sarah pulled out her cell phone and left the room to take care of the burden I managed to unload on her. Well, maybe not totally unloaded, but at least delayed until I felt I could control myself.

    Bobby and I spent most of the day going over the task list. Occasionally we talked about Megan, but he always took us back to our tasks if my emotions started to show through too much. I never noticed that Sarah was missing for several hours until she returned with dinner.

    ¡°Ben, Bobby, dinner time.¡±

    I was surprised how the day flew by.

    ¡°Dinner? Have you been cooking all afternoon?¡±

    ¡°No. While you and Bobby talked I went home to pack a few things and then picked up some Chinese take-out.¡±

    ¡°Pack?¡±

    ¡°Bobby and I are staying for a few days.¡±

    ¡°You guys have lives of your own. You don¡¯t need to do that.¡±

    Bobby grabbed my shoulder in a forcefully friendly show of control. ¡°Did we say you had a choice? We¡¯re staying for a few days whether you like it or not.¡±

    His friendly smile told me that the decision was made. I wanted to argue out of principle, but instead decided to accept their love and support.

    Bobby and Sarah would have stayed for weeks if I let them, but I told them Sunday evening that they should go home and let me get used to my new household of one.

    ¡°Ben, are you sure? It¡¯s no problem for us to stay.¡±

    ¡°Sarah, you two have been more helpful than you can imagine. But life moves on and so must I. Go home, sleep in your own beds, and you can pray for me, but don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll be okay.¡±

    Bobby took more convincing. ¡°Are you sure? No offense, but you¡¯ve been a wreck.¡±

    ¡°Bobby! Ben has enough to worry about without you making things worse.¡±

    I had to laugh at them quarrelling over how much help I needed. As women are known to do, Sarah took charge and ended the discussion.

    ¡°All right. We¡¯ll leave tonight. But here¡¯s how it¡¯s going to be. You¡¯re expected at our house every night for dinner. Be there by 6:30, or feel my wrath, Mr. Hawkins!¡±

    ¡°All right, Momma Sarah. I¡¯ll obey, especially since I can¡¯t cook worth a dang. You two know that I love you both, and can never hope to repay what you¡¯ve done for me.¡±

    Bobby reasserted his hold on my shoulder. ¡°Friends don¡¯t need to repay, they just need to be there when needed.¡±

    Chapter 3. Alone with Questions

    The first night alone after I left Sarah and Bobbies after dinner, the house seemed very quiet. I had no interest in TV. I decided to get out my old guitar to play and sing some of the songs I knew well. Music was always an important part of my life, and it brought me great comfort. I made this an evening ritual in my new existence.

    Sure enough, Mom called exactly 36 hours after Sarah told her my wishes. I think she set a stopwatch to be sure no minute was wasted. I managed to fake strength and promised I¡¯d come to see them in a few weeks. She started to call Megan a few choice names using uncharacteristic terms, and I had to calm her down.

    ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t want you saying bad things about Megan. After all, I¡¯m the one she abandoned.¡±

    ¡°Sure, Ben. But a momma bear protects her cubs.¡±

    ¡°The cub is grown up. Listen, I love your support and I need your prayers, but you guys should pray for Megan, too. Something tells me she¡¯s chasing rainbows expecting to find treasure, and she¡¯s going to be disappointed.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re right, dang it. I want to claw her eyes out, but I can see your wisdom shining through. I¡¯ll be nice, and we¡¯ll add her to our prayers.¡±

    My brothers all called at different times on Thursday. All three sisters Skyped me together early Friday evening. Over the weekend a few friends made contact and I repeated the same story I¡¯d grown to despise. Even so, I still really appreciated the support I was given.

    On Saturday morning my pastor stopped by unannounced, but I really welcomed his visit. He helped me clear my thoughts and center my mind on how to move forward.

    That evening I had my usual nightly dinner with Sarah and Bobby, but I sensed something different, a little off, about Sarah. She was really quiet, which was not like her at all. As Sarah served me a slice of sour cherry crumb pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (she knew that was my favorite), she gave me a crooked little smile.

    ¡°I have something I need to tell you.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong Sarah? You look like your dog died or something.¡±

    She plopped in her chair with a bit of an anguished sigh. ¡°Megan called me today.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± I fought the urge to attach uncomplimentary names to Megan. ¡°How¡¯d that go?¡±

    Sarah put on the darkest face I¡¯ve ever seen her wear. ¡°I wanted to scream at her and give her some nasty pieces of my mind!¡±

    I had to smile and shake my head. ¡°I know that¡¯s not like you. Not that I don¡¯t appreciate where you¡¯re coming from.¡±

    Sarah gave a little laugh. Bobby chimed in ¡°You¡¯ve never seen Sarah really mad!¡± She gave him a playful smack. I was reminded again why I loved those two people!

    ¡°So, I guess I should ask what was on her cruel little mind.¡±

    Sarah lightened up a bit at my reply. ¡°It was really uncomfortable. I told her I felt like I didn¡¯t really know her and didn¡¯t believe she could hurt you the way she did. She begged me not to give up our friendship and wanted to have lunch with me next week to talk.¡±

    Sarah looked at me waiting to see my reaction.

    I considered what she said for a moment. ¡°I think Megan is going to need a friend, and I know firsthand that you and Bobby are the best friends anyone could ask for.¡±

    Sarah put her hand on mine with a thankful smile. Bobby didn¡¯t look as willing to agree with Sarah.

    ¡°Guys,¡± he said. ¡°I support Sarah and can see the bigger picture of how this should go. But I can¡¯t forget what she¡¯s doing to you, buddy. You¡¯re my best friend and I can¡¯t get past it, at least not for a while.¡±

    ¡°I get it Bobby, and you and I can put Megan¡¯s picture on a dartboard and have some fun.¡± I forced an evil grin as he chuckled. ¡°But for whatever reason Megan did this, and wherever her head is now, I think she¡¯s going to need a friend like Sarah. I know I¡¯m never going to trust Megan or feel the way I did before all this. But I will never stop caring about her and I want to see her figure this all out and find some happiness.¡±

    My thoughts about Megan were making me mad at myself. One minute, I would want to hurt her twice as much as she hurt me. The next minute, I wanted to forgive and forget. My love for her wasn¡¯t like a faucet that could be turned off. Pieces of love would always be there. I was certain that she and I would never be together again, but I wanted to get to the point where my response was to live well, and I couldn¡¯t help wishing the same thing for her.

    A little tear betrayed the depths of my emotions. ¡°Sarah, please be her friend. If not entirely for her sake, please do it for me.¡±

    Sarah climbed over and gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. ¡°You deserved much better!¡± she said with a few tears of her own.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± I said. ¡°But this lug over here already has you!¡±

    Bobby laughed. ¡°Like I said Ben, you haven¡¯t seen her when she¡¯s mad!¡±

    As we laughed, a question started to invade my thoughts. It was hanging over me like an ax ready to fall. I know what Megan said that night as she made her hasty retreat, but I was not that naive. Risking bringing the mood back down, I had to ask.

    ¡°Sarah¡­ she¡¯s not at her sister¡¯s place¡­ is she?¡±

    The smile fell from her face. ¡°No.¡±

 Chapter 3. First Contact After the Pain

    Five different friends from church called me Sunday afternoon as they noted my absence from worship the past two Sundays. Megan and I never missed a week. Calls continued to come in, but then the number I dreaded the most appeared on my cell phone. On Sunday night, nine days after she dropped the bomb, Megan wanted to talk to me.

    My voice revealed more than a hint of anger mixed with obvious pain as I gathered my strength and answered with a single word.

    ¡°What?¡± I could tell I startled her as I found myself trying to control my breathing. I really wanted to be calm, but clear.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    ¡°Ah¡­ Ben. Can we talk?¡± Her voice was shaking. It was clear she felt the weight of her decision. That brought me no comfort or sympathy. My emotions were still very raw. The tension was thick through a few moments of silent pause.

    ¡°You¡¯ve said it all in your letter. Hope you find what you¡¯re looking for¡­ whatever that is. Although I thought we had the true love you kept repeating in that novel you wrote.¡±

    I could hear her breathing heavily.

    ¡°Look, Megan! I will always care for you, but for my own sanity¡­ right now I don¡¯t think I can talk to you.¡±

    I heard her beginning to sob as I hung up. I had run out of tears. Her call gave me the opportunity to vent, and that felt good in that moment. I grabbed a beer, sat in my favorite chair, and willed myself to move on.

 Chapter 4. Trying to Cope

    Two weeks after Megan¡¯s cruel departure, I felt I was at a place where I could cope with my turmoil. I decided to drive three hours to see my mom and dad. Both of my brothers and my youngest sister were there as well. We visited for a few hours over dinner while I convinced everyone I was good. No one believed it, but I was glad they pretended to be satisfied.

    Dad was Dad. He had little to say but his eyes betrayed his love for me and deep anger toward Megan. I imagined in his mind he was considering organizing a biblical stoning of the guilty woman. Mom tried to avoid talking about Megan at all. I think she would still like to get a pound of flesh from the woman that hurt her boy. My brothers and sisters all wanted to hug me and pound Megan to a pulp. The hugs and affection really did feel reassuring, and my visit home made me even more thankful for having a loving family.

    As I drove home from my parents, plans for my future started to form in my brain. I decided Megan¡¯s actions set the stage for me to evaluate lots of things in my life. She forced the big change. Now, I was going to determine how things would go in other key areas of my life.

    The first on my mind¡­ I had a job I loved with a company I couldn¡¯t stand. My direct supervisor was a prime example of the ¡°Peter Principle.¡± He was in over his head and tried to cover his shortcomings with bluster, bad attitude, and constant ridicule of his charges. I started the New Year with a new life, and I wouldn¡¯t be held back by working for fools. I was headed out on my own. Those were heavy-hearted days in my life, but I felt a great weight lifted off of me as I organized my future.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    As the months passed, Bobby and Sarah continued to keep me secure through their friendship. I said it before, but if you Googled ¡°perfect friends,¡± they were the benchmark that popped up on the screen.  I didn¡¯t have dinner with them every night, but Friday became a regular time together along with weekend gatherings. Since I was no longer a ¡°couple,¡± many of the other couples that Megan and I used to hang with drifted away. I sort of expected that.

    I noticed a trend in my visits with Bobby and Sarah. They both found time to pull me aside to tell me about some great woman that I should ask on a date.

    ¡°Would you two match-maker-wannabes please stop? I¡¯m not ready to date yet.¡±

    Sarah looked hurt. ¡°Ben, you¡¯re not the type of guy that can be alone. We just want you to be open to finding somebody new.¡±

    ¡°I know your hearts are in the right place, but it¡¯s too soon for me. And now that I¡¯m starting my own business, I can¡¯t spare the time to do a lot of trial dating. I¡¯ll know when I¡¯m ready and I¡¯ll be more open to your suggestions. But for now, let nature take its course.¡±

    I was twenty-seven years old and was not planning to be a life-long bachelor, but my trust in the fairer sex was deeply shaken. I wanted to be sure not to bring too much of that baggage into the next phase of my love life.

 Chapter 5. The Break is Final

    Megan was true to her word. There was very little that she wanted beyond what she had packed that day. I pondered a thought of thankfulness, but a bitter taste covered it up quickly. Sarah mentioned Megan had asked her to talk to me about a few furnishings that were heirlooms from her family, and some kitchen supplies that were gifts. I told Sarah to bring her and whoever she needed to move them on Saturday morning, and let her know I wouldn¡¯t be there. I totally trusted Sarah, and I didn¡¯t think Megan would abuse the opportunity. What I did know for sure was that I didn¡¯t want to see her.

    Several months later, the divorce was final. I followed the advice of my Pastor and friends. I had to find a way to forgive Megan. She needed it, and I needed it to let my heart move on. With lots of prayers and introspection, I searched my soul and truly forgave her. I would never forget, and I thought I would always have a trace of anger, but I was convinced that Megan was fighting something within her. I didn¡¯t think she could even begin to explain it.

    Sarah notice some kind of change in my attitude and decided to talk to me about it.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Ben, it¡¯s been a few months. Are you coming to grip with the whole Megan fiasco?¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯ve reached the point where I¡¯ve accepted the whole mess. I can¡¯t change it, but I know I can move forward and choose to live well.¡±

    ¡°Early on you were pretty angry but you remained gentlemanly about the whole thing. I¡¯m curious if you ever had thoughts of revenge.¡±

    Her question struck me as humorous. I imagined she was testing me.

    ¡°In all honesty, there were times my inner thoughts were not so kind. I guess we¡¯re all like that or revenge movies wouldn¡¯t be so popular. What Megan did was totally unfair to me. I didn¡¯t deserve what she did. Even she said that. But what would justice even look like, and how could I live with something bad happening to a woman I used to love.¡±

    ¡°Do you still have feelings for her? I mean, if her new partner turned out to be a creep and she tried to come back, would you take her?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve considered the same question. No, I couldn¡¯t take her back nor could I ever feel the same way I did about her. I¡¯ll always care, I¡¯m not able to turn that off, but I¡¯ll never trust her with my heart again. But I can say for sure that I¡¯ve forgiven her. I¡¯m moving forward and I hope she is too.¡±

    ¡°I do see her once in a while, and she always asks about you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯ve stayed friends with her. I¡¯m sure she needs a rock like you in her circle of friends. Do me a favor, though.¡±

    ¡°Sure. What?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell her that I¡¯ve forgiven her¡­ at least not yet. For her own good, I think she needs to ask for forgiveness directly from me.¡±

 Chapter 6. Misser Ben

    Sarah, Bobby, and other friends tried to fill the void in my life. I was not good at being alone, but the energy going into my business kept my thoughts occupied.

    I knew when the time was right, love would be out there somewhere for me. I wondered what it would be like. Would it just be a comfortable love or a hot and heavy passion-filled love? I hoped for the latter but felt myself willing to settle for a companion and friend. My prayers started to include a request for the right woman to come my way, and I asked that I would clearly recognize her when I saw her.

    As I slowly worked my way out of my self-imposed shell I started to make more friends in the neighborhood. Megan and I moved there in September, which was about three months before she left. The fall and winter in Illinois didn¡¯t provide the ideal setting for outdoor cookouts or casual meetings, so I hadn¡¯t really met any neighbors since the lovely woman next door and an older couple welcomed us to the neighborhood with cookies and some freshly baked bread. Other than that, most neighborly contact consisted of friendly waves and smiles.

    Warm weather made its welcomed return. With yard work and casual strolls, I started to get to know more of the folks in my neighborhood. Tom and Fran were the nice older couple that lived across the street and had greeted Megan and me with a loaf of bread when we moved in. Peg and Bill lived next to them on the right with their 3 teenage sons. They were good kids but dealing with three boys that age kept them hopping.

    Joe lived next door to the right of my house. He was in his seventies and since his wife had passed several years earlier, he started considering selling to live near his son in a retirement community. He was a sweet guy but pretty lonely. I liked it when we could share a beer once in a while just to chat or watch the Cubs on my big screen. We were two lonely guys keeping each other company over adult beverages.

    I frequently saw my neighbor to the left because our driveways ran parallel and only a few feet apart. I never saw the man-of-the house, only Laura and her two girls. Laura was the sweet woman that greeted our arrival in the neighborhood with homemade cookies. We exchanged a number of friendly waves and smiles and I felt an instant like for her. We talked briefly on occasion, but I never liked to interact with women when their husbands weren¡¯t there to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

    Even so, I couldn¡¯t help but watch her as she interacted with her children. In a brief conversation, as she loaded her girls in the car one cold winter day, she introduced her two daughters. Hanna was a bright and cheerful nine-year-old. Her three-year-old sister, Mattie, was the cutest thing ever and entirely precocious. Hanna and Mattie played outside a lot, so I saw them frequently and often had the chance to talk with them.

    As the weeks passed, I often felt my mind drifting to warm thoughts about Laura. I still didn¡¯t know much about her, but what I knew for sure was that she was a beautiful woman. It wasn¡¯t hard to see how nice she was. She was always smiling. And as a mother¡­ her girls were sweet and obedient to her. I never heard a raised voice from next door. In contrast, I heard Peg and Bill shouting a lot of threats and rebukes from across the street. Maybe it was the difference between raising boys and girls. Somehow, though, Laura seemed like gender wouldn¡¯t matter as to how her children were raised. I hoped I would meet her husband sometime so we could comfortably become friends.

    Spring threatened to turn into early summer. I noticed I still hadn¡¯t seen nor met a man living in Laura¡¯s house. It became even more evident that there may not be one since Laura did all the yard work and maintenance chores including the trash. That was a dead giveaway that there was no man in the picture. But I wasn¡¯t going to jump to conclusions. Maybe he traveled a lot. But I never saw a car other than the one Laura drove. I considered asking Joe about her during one of our beer visits, but I shrugged it off and guessed I¡¯d just figure out Laura¡¯s home dynamics at some point. Joe would tell me what he knew, but leaning on the gossip grapevine was not my style.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Mattie and Hanna constantly played outside as the weather warmed. Both were very outgoing and VERY talkative, so when I worked outside they often came over to see me. We enjoyed teasing each other and had a lot of marvelous chats.  I found myself really looking forward to their impromptu visits. I learned of ballet, Veggie Tales, JoJo Bows, and tons of other things I never knew existed. These two girls were beyond adorable. They started calling me Mr. Ben and it warmed my heart every time they did. They adored their mom and mentioned her often, but never anything about Dad and I didn¡¯t feel I should broach the subject with them.

    On a very hot Saturday late in May, I decided to do some weeding, which was a job I hated with a passion, but it had to be done. I was busy pulling the offending growth from the ground while I hummed quietly to myself to make the task seem more pleasant. Hanna and Mattie were playing hop-scotch in their driveway and decided that having a chat with me would be more fun.

    As we talked, and by that I meant that they talked and I listened, I sat back on the lawn to take a welcomed break from my despised task and enjoyed my two visitors. The girls playfully plopped down with me on the grass. Hanna was telling me with great enthusiasm all about her favorite TV shows with Mattie chiming in. I was having a great time with these two treasures.

    Then I noticed Laura wandering toward us.

    I had admired her from a distance for months. Somehow, all those pleasant thoughts of the past compressed within me and caused a surge of powerful attraction. The pleasant sensations felt foreign and strong. Every nerve was stimulated. Every thought my brain could produce was rushing my full attention to the vision heading my way. Goosebumps popped up over every part of me. Yes, she was a beautiful woman. But whatever I felt was more than admiring God¡¯s handiwork.

    I remembered first seeing Laura shortly after we moved in. I recalled thinking she was a very attractive ¡°girl next door¡± type. At that point, I thought I was happily married, so my brain never wandered to consider her otherwise.

    But now I was freed from the marital bonds I held sacred. I saw her walking towards me as if I never noticed her before. I couldn¡¯t control what I was feeling.

    Her smile radiated from a place deep within her. I beheld her beauty as if I had never witnessed it before. Bright blue-gray eyes captured my attention and drilled deep into the core of my very existence. Something stirred within me causing butterflies and a warm glow. Her long, light brown hair flowed around her perfectly framing the most gorgeous face I had ever imagined. I swore I could see an aura around her that would put the sun to shame. In one instant, unfolding before me in slow motion, I felt like I could see the depths of her soul and a sweetness that captured my imagination. I wanted to envelop her and all the sensations that were bombarding me.

    I chastised myself, realizing I was seriously crushing on a woman whom I still somehow believed was someone else¡¯s wife. The conflicts in my mind were driving me to distraction. I struggled for composure.

    ¡°Hi, Ben.¡±

    Was that angels singing?

    ¡°Laura. You¡¯re just in time for a debate about favorite TV shows!¡± My voice cracked a little in a failed attempt to stay cool.

    ¡°Girls, are you driving Mr. Ben nuts with girl talk?¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± Hanna whined. ¡°Mr. Ben is fun to talk to!¡±

    ¡°Misser Ben is fun!¡± Mattie parroted.

    ¡°Well, Mr. Ben, I was just coming out to see if the girls would like some lemonade on this hot day.¡±

    Hanna gave a dramatic ¡°Yeah¡± as if she¡¯d been wandering in the desert for days without water. Mattie jumped up and down repeating ¡°Yes¡­yes¡­yes¡± with every leap.

    Hanna looked at Laura all excited. ¡°Can Mr. Ben have some too?¡±

    Laura looked at me and smiled. I heard harps playing and I was melting into a puddle.

    ¡°Mr. Ben, would you like to join us?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± I blurted out as I tried to curb my enthusiasm and all the other sensations I was both fighting to control.

    ¡°Great! I¡¯ll bring it out to the back patio. There¡¯s a cool spot in the shade. It will be nice to talk with you a little, Ben. We live so close, but we haven¡¯t really had a chance to chat. Girls, why don¡¯t you show Mr. Ben where we¡¯re headed, and I¡¯ll go get the glasses.¡±

    I heard the ¡®Hallelujah Chorus¡¯ in my mind. What was happening to me? I was trying to gather my composure while hoping to remember my manners.

    ¡°Can I help you?¡±

    ¡°Aw, thanks for your offer. I¡¯m good. There¡¯s not much to carry and I think the girls would love you to go with them.¡± She smiled and quickly turned. Before I could think, she was gone and two giggling little beauties each grabbed one of my hands and started to pull me to our destination.

 Chapter 7. Road Number Two

    The back patio was beautifully landscaped with pavers in a semicircle framed with a low raised wall along the perimeter that doubled as extra seating.  Annual flowers were freshly planted in raised gardens on the outside of the wall. Eight outdoor chairs were placed around a fire pit, perfectly staged for nights of friendly conversation with friends and family. The fragrance of spring flowers filled the air.

    The girls led me to another seating area with four padded Adirondack chairs set in a grouping around an outdoor wooden coffee table. The area would have been in the sun during the morning hours, but at one in the afternoon it was shaded by surrounding maple trees. The setting had a peaceful, lazy feel. It was perfect for relaxing or for a long comfortable conversation. I found myself hoping this time with Laura would be both comfortable and long. Even so, my nerves were on edge. The onslaught of emotions in the past five minutes had shocked my system with adrenalin and I fought against nearly uncontrollable energy. And I still had to assume she was married. I was completely conflicted about what I was hoping I would learn about Laura and her relationship status.

    ¡°Mom has me hooked on watching all her favorite movies from when she was a kid,¡± Hanna said as she continued our conversation that started on my front lawn. Mattie squatted a few feet away focused on a bug.

    ¡°Really? What movies have you watched lately?¡± I asked.

    ¡°Princess Bride!¡± she shouted with glee. ¡°That¡¯s my favorite!¡±

    I smiled and said, ¡°Wuv¡­ TWU Wuv!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the best part!¡± she giggled.

    ¡°What other movies have you two watched?¡±

    ¡°Well, we watched ¡®Groundhog Day¡¯ last weekend. I really liked that.¡±

    I smiled and couldn¡¯t help myself. ¡°You won¡¯t believe this, but that¡¯s my favorite of all time!¡±

    ¡°Mom said there were some things in it that were a little old for me, but I got it. He started out as a jerk and ended up learning how to be a good guy.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I like about it. It shows someone could change if they really wanted to.¡±

    She pondered my comment and her mood went a little somber. ¡°I wish that had worked for my dad.¡±

    Until I knew more, I had to let that drop. But what didn¡¯t escape me was a great glimmer of hope rising within me that there was no man involved. I instantly felt guilty when I realized that meant those awesome girls may not have a father around.

    ¡°So, what are you watching next?¡± I was trying to avoid the ¡°Dad¡± topic for now.

    ¡°It¡¯s gonna rain tomorrow so we¡¯re gonna binge watch the ¡°Back to the Future¡± movies!¡± she explained with a beaming smile. ¡°Mom¡¯s so excited about it she keeps talking about it every night at dinner!¡±The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    I had to chuckle at the energy she could bring to any conversation.

    Laura suddenly appeared from behind me with a tray of glasses and sporting that electric smile. ¡°Are you giving away our secret plans for tomorrow, Squirt?¡± As she put the tray on the coffee table, Hanna¡¯s shyness appeared as she reacted to one of her mother¡¯s pet names for her.

    ¡°Sheesh, Mom!¡±

    ¡°LENNONADE!¡± Mattie shrieked as she came over and grabbed her glass. Laura and I chuckled, Hanna took the opportunity to correct her little sister¡¯s pronunciation.

    We shared light conversation for about ten minutes while sipping on our refreshment and we just enjoyed the two girls. Once Hanna finished, she and Mattie returned to the front of the house to play.

    ¡°Laura, you have two amazing girls! I wish I had their energy.¡±

    ¡°They are real blessings.¡± Her face was filled with love and pride. ¡°They are really sweet and well-behaved, which makes the challenges of being a single mom a lot easier to bear.¡±

    I admit it. My heart jumped with joy while I allowed thoughts of sympathy to show on my face.

    ¡°You¡¯re raising them all by yourself! You¡¯re doing a fantastic job. I just assumed you were married when I saw your ring.¡±

    She looked down with a rather wry smile. ¡°I should tear it off and melt it down. I¡¯m just so used to it, plus it stops me from getting hit on so often. Of course, there are jerks that don¡¯t care and hit on me anyway.¡± Her smile morphed into something between a smirk and a look of frustration.

    I wasn¡¯t sure if I¡¯d regret what I said next, but I couldn¡¯t help myself.

    ¡°I imagine someone as strikingly beautiful as you finds themselves forced to deal with a lot of rude advances.¡±

    ¡°Please,¡± she said, a little embarrassed but thankfully still smiling. ¡°I appreciate the compliment, but I don¡¯t feel all that beautiful after two kids and a few really stressful years.¡±

    A look of shock took over my face as I almost did a spit-take. She giggled a bit seeing I almost sprayed a mouthful of lemonade. I couldn¡¯t believe she could feel that way. I quickly scanned the person sitting next to me and I couldn¡¯t see a hint of imperfection. I regained a little composure and looked at her with what I hoped was a friendly but serious gaze.

    ¡°Please forgive what I¡¯m going to say,¡± I begged. ¡°If someone has made you feel that way when you look in a mirror, then they are the problem! I hope I get to know you well enough that I¡¯m comfortable telling you what I see sitting next to me.¡±

    I could feel myself blushing with a bit of embarrassment. Thank God, her smile widened.

    ¡°Ben, you¡¯re really sweet¡­ and thank you. My ex, and now late husband said a lot of uncomplimentary things and I guess I took them too much to heart.¡±

    ¡°Wow, I¡¯m sorry Laura. I know we¡¯re just getting acquainted, but I feel like I opened some wounds that haven¡¯t completely healed.¡±

    She grimaced and bowed her head to stare at the ground in front of her. At first, I was concerned that she regretted telling me that much detail, but I continued.

    ¡°If it¡¯s too deep to get into right now or if you¡¯re not comfortable we can let it drop. But if it helps you at all to talk about it, I¡¯m a really good listener.¡±

    Her look changed to a wry smile.

    ¡°Well, neighbor, I did jump in the deep end first.¡± She laughed and projected the feeling that she was more comfortable with the subject than I thought she¡¯d be. ¡°Before we know what each other does for a living or normal stuff we¡¯re right into the dirty laundry!¡±

    ¡°Do you want to take a step back?¡± I asked.

    She gave a reflective laugh. ¡°I guess I already opened the door to the tough stuff. I don¡¯t know why, but for some reason, I think I¡¯m comfortable telling you. I¡¯ll forge ahead if you think you can take it!¡± She wore a smile, but I sensed a little fear too.

    ¡°If you¡¯re sure, I think I can handle it. Well, I hope I can, at least.¡±

    ¡°Be careful what you ask for!¡± She chuckled looking both relieved and a little timid. ¡°Tell you what¡­ before I launch into my sordid past, how about if I get us refills on the lemonade and add a little Jack Daniels to grease the wheels?¡±

    ¡°I like how you think!¡±

    When she returned with the more adult version of our refreshment, she looked like she was pondering where to start.

    I smiled at her. ¡°I have to admit I feel a bit guilty. You said he¡¯s both an ex and has passed? That sounds like a pretty intense tale and I can¡¯t help being curious. But I¡¯m giving you another chance to chicken out if you want!¡±

    ¡°I thought about chickening out while I was getting our drinks!¡± She chuckled. ¡°You sure you can handle this?¡±

    ¡°Give me your best shot!¡±

    She laughed, then quieted into a more somber, reflective mood.

    ¡°Where to start?¡± she asked herself while trying to organize her thoughts.

    ¡°I¡¯ll begin by letting you know a bit about the end so you know my mindset. I don¡¯t miss him at all. I¡¯m not glad he¡¯s dead! But I¡¯m thankful he can never be around me or the girls. I think you¡¯ll understand when you hear the whole story.¡±

    ¡°Good to know! I¡¯ll fasten my seatbelt!¡± I think she wanted to smile, but couldn¡¯t force it. But the truth of her past was far beyond anything I¡¯d ever imagined.

 Chapter 8. Disgusting Deception

    Laura¡¯s husband, Kevin, was a sales manager with a large industrial firm headquartered in Charlotte where he was originally from. He spent about half his time at the headquarters and the other half here in the Chicago sales office. She met him at a wedding in town about eleven years ago. They were married about a year later.

    She thought it was odd that he had no family at the wedding and only a few friends from the office, but he told her that his parents died and that he had no family remaining.  His travel patterns didn¡¯t change after they had Hanna and she wondered why he had to be away some major holidays. It wasn¡¯t every year, but when he was away over Christmas or another major event he would usually claim to be on an extended business trip in Asia or in Europe.

    She was pregnant with Mattie when she really focused on trying to put the pieces together and the puzzle didn¡¯t fit. Once she told him she was expecting, he seemed to be in Charlotte for more than half the time, claiming there were office shake-ups and reorganizations requiring his presence.

    In my mind, I figured he had been cheating on her or something like that. When she told me the truth, it took the wind out of me.

    Laura¡¯s face took on a pained look.

    ¡°I was so wrapped up being pregnant, a mom, and a teacher that time just kept passing. But with less and less help from my mostly absent husband, all sorts of suspicions started to consume me.¡± Her lip started to quiver a little bit.

    ¡°One day a friend from church visited and I confided in her that I thought something was going on behind my back. We talked a little when she suddenly suggested I Google him. I hadn¡¯t thought of that.

    I started an online search and saw bits of info mostly tied to social media. I never liked social media, so I wasn¡¯t all that familiar with it. Most of the information seemed to be tied to Facebook, so I created an account so I could read the things coming up in Google.¡±

    Laura was starting to shake a little. She was mad and desperately trying to hold it in.

    ¡°You okay?¡± I asked.

    She shook her head, ¡°Yes¡± and took a big breath.

    ¡°I found two profiles. They were both him, the pictures couldn¡¯t lie. One seemed mostly about his job. The other¡­ the other had family pictures¡­ but not ours!¡±

    I thought she was going to lose control, but she gathered herself quickly.

    ¡°I thought of a lot of possibilities, but I wasn¡¯t prepared for that! The jerk had another family! They lived in Charlotte. His parents, brothers, and a sister all lived there and were very much alive. He was married two years before we got married. And according to his Facebook profile, he still was!¡±The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    She let me put my hand on hers and seemed to welcome it. All I could come up with was, ¡°Holy cow!¡±

    She hired a private investigator who confirmed everything she had learned. She pressed charges and the authorities arrested him. His other wife was a high school sweetheart and she had three children with him. She didn¡¯t know anything about Laura.

    She continued the bizarre details.

    ¡°Kevin¡¯s other wife¡¯s big brother didn¡¯t take the news well. I¡¯m told he¡¯s not very bright and has a real mean streak. But he was very protective of his little sister.¡±

    She paused and took a very big breath, and looked around I think to be sure the girls were still out of range to hear. She took on a very somber countenance, then continued in a subdued voice.

    ¡°The day my¡­. my bigamist husband¡­ was let out on bail pending trial, the brother paid him a visit with a shotgun. His first shot¡­ well¡­ neutered him. I was told he let Kevin writhe in pain for about an hour, the whole time inflicting other forms of pain. I guess he figured he suffered long enough from that, and he shot him twice in the belly hoping death would be slow, then left. They found Kevin two days later.¡±

    I couldn¡¯t help but wince in sympathetic pain. As grateful as I was that Laura was unattached, I wouldn''t wish that fate on anyone.

    I watched in awe as she told her story. She still felt the impact, but I believed her when she said she was getting past it. Her eyes welled up as she told the tale, but she never broke. My own eyes let a few drops fall as I felt the immense pain she¡¯d been put through. I think she felt more anger and embarrassment that the jerk fooled her for so long.

    As she finished she looked at me with a strange, but comforting look. ¡°So, what do you think of my soap opera life?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m stunned! I mean¡­ how can you expect that? God bless you! I mean, how did you deal with it all? You had to feel like you were being pulled apart in so many directions!¡±

    She got serious but also seemed to look relieved. ¡°I guess I have to confess that the anger still gets to me. It¡¯s funny, though, I was certainly mad at Kevin, but I would never want to have what happened to him. I mean, I felt something for him once. As much as I wanted him out of my life, I didn¡¯t want it done that way. It feels strange to say, but the way it went down it ended up working out as well as it could for us.¡± Her face scrunched up with a deeply troubled look. ¡°I feel guilty saying that, but it worked on a lot of levels.¡±

    ¡°So why are you still feeling anger?¡± I thought I knew the answer.

    ¡°I¡¯m angry at myself for not seeing Kevin for what he was and then letting him pull the wool over my eyes for so long. I never thought I was an idiot, but he made me feel like one!¡±

    ¡°You asked if I could take it. I wasn¡¯t prepared for that, but I¡¯m really glad you felt you could share it with me. Frankly, I¡¯m amazed at your strength!¡±

    She sweetly smiled at me. ¡°Before all that I never thought I was very strong. I never faced a trial like that. I mean, really, who¡¯d expect to face something like that? But my faith, my girls, my family, and my friends were all I needed. They brought the strength I didn¡¯t have on my own.¡±

    ¡°I can see how Mattie and Hanna would help you face the tough days. I can¡¯t help but smile when I¡¯m around them.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re my sweeties! They brighten my day no matter how dark it feels.¡± The reflective, loving smile that lit up her face signaled a welcomed change in mood.

    ¡°I can see how that would be true. You mentioned your faith played a big part, too?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I may not know all about the bigger plan, but I trust in my faith in God. Plus, the people at my church have been great.¡±

    ¡°I know I always find faith is important, but its importance is really evident when stuff like this hits, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah! Thank God¡­ literally!¡±

    I chuckled. ¡°You bet!¡±

    She sat back and reflectively looked into the distant sky appearing as though she was at peace with her past. ¡°That was three years ago and I¡¯m finally putting it in perspective.¡±

    I reflected on all she said, and then contemplated her life now. I had always admired how she carried herself with her girls even before I started to get to know her that day. Understanding her story and how she¡¯s survived it¡­ Laura was something special!

    ¡°So¡­ with the gory details out in the open, are you ready for a refill of spiked lemonade?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely.¡± I paused a moment. ¡°But I have an overwhelming need to ask¡­both for you and for me. Can I give you a hug?¡±

    Faster than I thought possible she launched into me and we held each other for a moment. ¡°I needed that too!¡± she confessed. ¡°Let me refill these and you can tell me of your sordid past.¡±

    There was that smile again. Her beautiful blue-gray eyes glowed brightly. It seemed like a weight had been lifted off of her.

 Chapter 9. Shared Pain and the Tie that Binds

    After we both took a much-needed break when she fetched our refills, we sat down to continue our rather deep and surprising conversation.

    ¡°So, Ben. I remember your wife when you moved in. I haven¡¯t seen her, and I noticed evidence of a ring that¡¯s no longer there. I¡¯ve cracked the book open for stories of heartbreaks and I¡¯m guessing you have one to share if you¡¯re willing?¡±

    ¡°My soap opera is a little more mundane, but the outcome has some similarities.¡±

    I launched into my tale of woe. I wish I was as gathered together as she was during her turn, but my eyes didn¡¯t cooperate the way I¡¯d hoped. About halfway through my story, she moved her chair closer next to me and took my hand. Her touch was pure electricity. It made me feel like I could conquer anything and pulled me through with a strength I didn¡¯t have on my own.

    When I finished she could tell I was on the edge of losing it. I thought I was past the tears stage, but somehow telling her was more intimate and agonizing than I imagined. She quietly got up and moved toward me, turned and sat on my lap with her legs over the arm of the chair, and just embraced me. I didn¡¯t sob, but tears flowed onto her shoulder.

    Somehow, I wasn¡¯t embarrassed at all about my emotions. It felt natural with her. Plus, they weren¡¯t tears just for the hurt of the past. Her story had me emotional to start with so our two stories compounded my feelings. But that set of tears had a large element of joy. Her comfort warmed me. Her presence excited me.

    As she held me, she talked softly into my ear. ¡°I know you¡¯re emotional and you probably want to feel embarrassed. Don¡¯t be! The depth of your feelings tells me more about you than words ever could. You¡¯re quite a man, Ben.¡±

    She paused like she was unsure of what to say next. But when she uttered her thoughts, a bolt of energy surged through me.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think me too forward. I don¡¯t want to scare you away¡­ but you¡¯re the kind of man I¡¯d like to get to know much better!¡±Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    Her words filled me with joy. I felt like I was suddenly awakened from months of slumber. The hope within me overflowed. I hugged her a little tighter and whispered, ¡°That doesn¡¯t scare me at all. It may be the best news I¡¯ve ever heard!¡±

    We stayed in the embrace for a few very comfortable moments. Then the familiar sound of young energy bounded around the corner of the house.  ¡°I¡¯m hungry, mommy!¡± Mattie shouted, oblivious to the scene in front of her.

    Hanna was much more aware and stopped in her tracks at the sight of us hugging on the chair. She didn¡¯t say a word, but the most beautiful smile broke out. Laura and I both saw it with great amusement and relief.

    I looked at my watch and it was 5:30. We talked for four-and-a-half hours that went by far too quickly. Laura got up and my lap felt the emptiness.

    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll go put the lasagna in the oven. Ben, you¡¯re staying for dinner.¡± It wasn¡¯t a question. It was an expectation.

    ¡°Absolutely.¡± I smiled. ¡°Let me go home a minute, clean up, and grab some wine that will go great with dinner.¡±

    ¡°That sounds like a good plan.¡±

    She stood before me just a few feet away. Before she turned to go inside, she smiled and looked warmly into my eyes. In that quick gaze I sensed her understanding and a deep connection. I etched that moment in mind and resolved to cherish it forever.

    But even more breathtaking¡­ there was a glow in our shared gaze that confessed the beginning of longing for each other. It wasn¡¯t one-sided. It was mutual. There was promise in that look. I wondered if the cloud hanging over me was finally lifting. I didn¡¯t know what the days ahead would bring, but I sensed that maybe, just possibly, the answer to my prayers was right next door all along. I wanted to be cautious, but the heart wants what it wants.

    ¡®Be still my heart. Don¡¯t jump to conclusions too fast!¡¯ my mind shouted. A wonderful internal battle had started. My heart and mind needed to meet and agree. I needed to pause, take a deep breath, take stock, and be careful. But I was wide open to the possibilities. And, oh, how marvelous those possibilities seemed.

    Laura slowly regained her composure although she was clearly a little flustered. ¡°Just, aaah¡­ walk in the back door when you get back.¡± She hesitantly turned toward her back door while I started to walk toward my house. I was walking on air.

    I took a quick shower since the garden work left me feeling a bit grungy. I stood in the warm water just reflecting on the most wonderful afternoon within memory. My body and emotions both felt a cleansing. And my mind wouldn¡¯t stray from that most memorable moment. That look!

    I thought of all the things I felt when I first saw her, all those trying events we shared, and the raw emotions laid out before each other. In one afternoon, I gained pure admiration and respect for Laura. I dwelled on her strength and character and that one, amazing look!

    I offered an immediate prayer of thanks and asked for guidance. I had some immediate desires on my heart too and selfishly asked for them to come true.

    I quickly dressed, grabbed two bottles of my favorite wine, and returned with a purpose in my step. In less than a day, my mind and my heart realized that Laura has transformed from a friendly next-door neighbor into the possible answer to prayer. I even felt, with some level of assurance, that she may feel the same. I hoped there would be even more clarity by the end of that evening.

 Chapter 10. A Dinner Ben and Laura Needed

    I went in the back door that entered right into the kitchen dining area and noticed a flurry of activity. Laura and Hanna were busy in the kitchen making dinner preparations while Mattie sat at the table playing a game on her tablet.

    ¡°Ben, you¡¯re just in time. Dinner should be ready in about ten minutes.¡±

    ¡°Can I help with something?¡± I offered.

    ¡°I think with the help of my sous chef here, we¡¯ve got it covered.¡± Sous Chef Hanna beamed with pride as she sliced some carrots for a salad. ¡°Why don¡¯t you join Mattie at the table while we finish getting everything ready?¡±

    I sat down next to Mattie who was concentrating on the tablet screen. Without looking up, Mattie got up and slid onto my lap as if it was something she did all the time. My heart melted with joy.

    ¡°What are you playing?¡±

    ¡°A spelling game. Watch me,¡± she ordered. So, I did. But at that moment I was much more captivated by the activity in the kitchen.

    I watched Laura with awe. Her interaction with Hanna was so positive and encouraging. It seemed to come naturally to her. Hanna struggled a bit with slicing celery and carrots. Laura calmly showed her what to do, then let Hanna do it as Laura praised and encouraged her. They were friends. There was warmth. They talked freely about all sorts of wonderful things while they worked.

    I reflected on the scene in front of me and thought of how I noticed them before. Laura always spoke calmly with the girls. I never heard an angry word or raised voice like I heard from the neighbors across the street with the three boys where it seemed they couldn¡¯t talk without screaming. Laura wasn¡¯t soft on discipline, though. I heard her correct or occasional chastise one or both girls. But you could see them respect her. There was no fear, just loving obedience. Backtalk happened rarely, but when it did it was dealt with swiftly and lovingly. When I occasionally saw tears from the girls, it was because they knew they upset their mother and cherished her approval.

    Laura was an excellent mother, and a single mother too. I hadn¡¯t put all that together in my mind before. The more I knew about this woman, the more I admired her.

    ¡°Misser Ben, what¡¯s this letter?¡±

    ¡°Mattie, what do you think it is?¡±

    ¡°It kinda looks like an O,¡± she said in a cute little sing-song voice. ¡°But I think¡­ it¡¯s a Q?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right! How¡¯d you get so smart?¡±

    She giggled. ¡°I dunno. Just am!¡±

    Mattie settled back to intensely working on her game.

    I looked back at Laura and realized I never really just looked at all of her. I didn¡¯t allow myself that luxury before because I didn¡¯t feel right ogling another man¡¯s wife. That was no longer an issue. Even when we talked earlier that day, I never just paused to take her in. I was focused on her eyes and her face as we talked before I even thought to gaze at the rest of her. I was already completely convinced of her internal beauty and sparkling countenance. As she floated around the kitchen with Hanna, I noticed a stunning woman who was beautiful in every way imaginable. She was most definitely out of my league.

    Her face was oval shaped and highlighting her cheeks were the cutest dimples I had ever seen. A button nose, enticing lips, and classically beautiful chin completed her gorgeous face. I couldn¡¯t help feeling that Laura was more beautiful than any actress that came to mind because facial features alone are only a small portion of the picture. Her personality, warmth, caring, positive attitude, personal strength, and confident humility all completed a picture that drew me to her. I found her to be irresistible.

    I tore my view away from her eyes and face to observe the rest of her. I guessed she was about 5¡¯6¡±. She was not skinny, but she was a healthy size with perfectly shaped legs leading to a delightful bottom. I never claimed to be an expert in bra sizes so I didn¡¯t even try to attach a number, but her breasts were perfectly shaped and sized to fit the rest of her. If I could paint a picture of my ideal woman, it would look like the vision that stood before me.

    The more I was around her, the greater the attraction I felt towards Laura. I didn¡¯t think I had ever experienced a stronger force. Her physical beauty was now raising up other forces of attraction that both thrilled me and scared the heck out of me. I didn¡¯t deserve to be in her presence. I was sure of that. And yet I was there, and she seemed to want me there. I think she knew I was staring at her. She glanced with a smile, then continued the work at hand.

    A few moments later, Laura stirred me from my thoughts as she directed her attention towards Mattie and me.

    ¡°Mattie, please put that away and get silverware for everybody.¡± Mattie immediately obeyed her mother and again I was impressed. ¡°Ben, would you be so kind¡­ could you get wine glasses in the cabinet behind you and pour some for us?¡±

    We sat around the small circular table that would comfortably seat six people. Laura¡¯s spot was across from me when she eventually joined us, and the girls were on each side between us. I expected the girls would dive right in, or at least be talkative and full of energy, but they sat quietly waiting patiently for Laura. My first thought was this seemed almost formal, but I¡¯d learn that it was family etiquette and good manners that Laura had instilled. Dinner was a sharing time. Only one person spoke at a time. This behavior was second nature for them.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    As Laura took her seat, she reached for each girl and took a hand. The girls each turned towards me and reached for my hands. My body exploded into goosebumps as we formed this family circle. I wasn¡¯t family, of course, but at that moment I was warmly included, and it thrilled my soul. I longed for this feeling for so long, especially since Megan left. This was good. No¡­ better than good. It was incredibly heartwarming.

    Laura turned toward Hanna. ¡°Sweetie, would you say the blessing tonight? I think it¡¯s your turn.¡±

    I expected Hanna would give a typical kid¡¯s response. Maybe she¡¯d hem and haw or get embarrassed. Perhaps she¡¯d push back and try to get out of it. I didn¡¯t expect what I heard.

    ¡°Thanks, Mom!¡±

    She was eager to do this!

    ¡°Let¡¯s pray! Jesus, thank you for this beautiful day and the fun we had. Thank you for Mom and Mattie and our family. And a special thank you for Mr. Ben being with us. I¡¯m glad he lives next door and is so nice! Thank you for this food and for Mom making one of my favorites. You made everything, God. Thanks for giving us what we need. And everyone says¡­¡±

    We all join in a hearty, ¡°Amen!¡±

    Hanna and Mattie squeezed my hands and I squeezed back. Hanna and Laura both looked at me with big smiles. My eyes filled but held their moisture with the right amount of blinking. I wanted this feeling to last forever.

    Laura thanked Hanna, then started to dish out the source of the divine smell emanating from a very hot dish. Laura had made her special family recipe lasagna. I don¡¯t know the secret ingredients, but it was the best I¡¯ve ever had. Hanna prepared a salad for us as well as a loaf of five-star-restaurant quality garlic bread. The mother/daughter chef team knew what they were doing in the kitchen!

    ¡°Mattie, why don¡¯t you tell Mr. Ben about your new friend from up the street?¡±

    Mattie launched into a glowing report about her new acquaintance, Shalon. Everyone paid attention to her tale, never interrupting, but asking leading questions so Mattie knew that we all cared about what she had to say.

    The consideration they had for each other spoke volumes of how well Laura was raising these two fantastic, beautiful daughters. It spoke to my heart. I was very aware of my growing feelings for Hanna and Mattie, but especially for the lovely woman seated facing me. Despite the terrible past she revealed, Laura had herself together. Her priorities were in order. None of that misery was going to impact her girls. They would grow to be considerate of those around them, polite, focused on the right things, confident in who they were, and they would be secure that they were surrounded by love.

    That day I stumbled into a family that loved and behaved the way I always dreamed my family would be. It was not an impossible dream! Laura was proving it could happen, and she was doing it as a single mom with God at her side. How could I not be amazed? Laura was absolutely wonderful.

    Hanna talked next and shared about her dance recital a week earlier. She was the featured dancer in the ballet presentation, but she really loved her Broadway class and the performance they gave. I felt bad I missed it. I found myself wishing that day¡¯s events had happened two weeks ago, so I would know to be there and watch her. A video was being edited and would be available soon, and Hanna was really excited for me to watch it. I wanted to share that time with her too.

    I was immersed in a family atmosphere that thrilled me to the core. After each girl finished sharing their dinner update, Hanna turned her attention to me.

    ¡°Mr. Ben, what kind of stuff do you like to do?¡±

    ¡°Besides talking to three beautiful girls and eating lasagna?¡±

    It may have sounded like I was joking, but that activity was now on the top of my list.

    Hanna rolled her eyes and blushed while Laura stifled a spit-take.

    ¡°Come on¡­ what do you like?¡±

    I started the serious portion of the list with golf, baseball, football and the like. The list got longer¡­ and longer¡­ and a lot sillier as Hanna and Mattie laughed uncontrollably. ¡°I like naming clouds¡­ chasing butterflies¡­ watching dogs talk to cats¡­ watching cats ignoring them¡­ blowing bubbles¡­ catching them.  You know, normal stuff!¡±

    I noticed Laura watching the scene in front of her. She had her elbows on the table and her wrists crossed and held just under her chin, almost like she was hugging herself. Her face was glowing, and her eyes glistened. She loved what she was witnessing, and you could read her sense of contentment.

    Everyone at the table had their time of undivided attention. Laura then let the girls lead the chatter at the table. The pace of the conversation was high energy but still always respectful. We were getting comfortable with each other. And the best part? Laura and I continually shared glances. They clearly held a deep and growing meaning for us both.  Mattie still seemed oblivious to the chemistry forming, but Hanna shared happy looks with both her mother and me. There was a joy growing within me that wanted to burst out and spread to the whole world. My emotional stamina was tested to the limits, and I loved it.

    I forced Laura to let me help with cleanup while the girls went into the family room to play and watch TV. I wanted to be alone with Laura to share what dinner meant to me.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t need to help, Ben! You¡¯re our guest.¡±

    I finished bringing dishes from the table. ¡°So do guests rinse, or load the dishwasher?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± She rolled her eyes and faked exasperation. ¡°It¡¯s the guest¡¯s choice.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a semi-professional rinser!¡± She pretended to be impressed.

    We started our tasks as I considered what I wanted to say.

    ¡°Laura, you may not believe when I say this, but that was the most amazing dinner I¡¯ve ever had!¡±

    ¡°Please!¡± She groaned. ¡°That was just a quick and simple family favorite.¡±

    I laughed a little. ¡°The food was excellent and really added to my impression of the meal.¡± I captured her gaze with my hands still in the sink. ¡°But it was everything else that really made it amazing!¡±

    She tried to look inquisitive as if she wasn¡¯t sure what I meant, but I think she knew exactly.

    ¡°Hanna and Mattie¡­ how well behaved they are with self-control beyond their years¡­ the obvious love and consideration you all share¡­ the warmth¡­ the please-and-thank-you politeness¡­ those two are something else! And how you are with them is¡­ Wonderful!¡± I chuckled a little. ¡°I almost said unbelievably wonderful, but it¡¯s not. It¡¯s completely believable! It was like watching an example of how a family should be, but it was real. I can¡¯t begin to tell you how that touched me!¡±

    She put her hand over mine to say thank you, but she couldn¡¯t say it yet. Her pause let me finish. I recaptured her gaze.

    ¡°Laura, I¡¯m getting to know a wonderful, strong, amazing woman and mother today. I feel incredibly privileged to even be standing here with you. I really needed this, and I¡¯m so grateful you welcomed me here!¡±

    She looked at me with glistening eyes that started to dampen contour of her cheeks. She reached over and gave me a strong, long embrace as I pulled her into me. This wasn¡¯t a comforting hug like earlier. This was clearly our first embrace of affection. Our hands were wet, but it didn¡¯t matter. We were wordlessly communicating. Heat flowed between us. It was a milestone. It set the tone for the rest of the evening.

    She spoke softly into my chest as we embraced. ¡°I needed this too¡­ and you¡¯re always welcomed!¡±

    We finished up the dishes and joined the girls. We enjoyed more light chatter, a game of Chutes and Ladders, and me losing badly to Hanna in a game of Super Mario (and, yes, she beat me fair and square). It was 8:30 when Laura asked the girls to go get ready for bed.

    She turned to me with yet another smile. ¡°I hope you can stay for a little while.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely! I¡¯ll get us some more wine and wait right here.¡± Her smile spoke volumes.

    Mattie gave me a goodnight hug and kiss on the cheek. This little one already had me on a string. Laura scooted her up the stairs while Hanna came over to say goodnight. She hugged me as well then pulled back and looked me square in the eye. At that moment I can see her mother in her. She floored me with what she said next.

    ¡°Mr. Ben, we really like you. Please be nice to my mom. She needs it.¡± She quickly kissed my cheek, turned, and ran upstairs shouting, ¡°goodnight!¡±

    How did a girl her age pick up on all these signals? I didn¡¯t know, but she had developed a pretty clear understanding of the chemistry filling the air. I had yet another moment to cherish.

    I poured the wine and willed myself to quickly learn if Laura and the girls could possibly be in my life permanently. This felt awfully quick but awesomely right. How I got to that point in one day, I can¡¯t explain. I was sure I didn¡¯t deserve her, and yet I was confident that Laura was on the same wavelength. At that very moment, I determined that I would be an open book with Laura. When I felt something, I¡¯d tell her. Where we went couldn¡¯t be fast enough for me. How she responded would help me understand the pace she was comfortable with.

 Chapter 11. Two Hearts and Killing Elephants

    After fifteen minutes of story time, prayers, and tucking in, Laura floated down the stairs and sat next to me on the couch. She had lots of seating choices, but the one she selected sent clear signals.

    ¡°Ben, I¡¯ve got to be honest,¡± she said. ¡°Today has been a whole lot different than I imagined when I got up this morning!¡±

    ¡°I know what you mean. I was focused on killing weeds, and instead, it feels like we¡¯ve been planting some seeds for something else to grow!¡±

    I hoped that didn¡¯t sound presumptuous.

    ¡°Can something like that happen so quickly?¡± she asked.

    I¡¯m more confident than ever that we are thinking of the same things. I put my hand on her chin to pull her gaze towards me.

    ¡°I never thought so, but I can¡¯t explain today other than to say¡­ I¡¯ve never wanted to get to know anybody better, quicker, and deeper than I want to know you!¡±

    I chose to pull her into another embrace. I¡¯m sure she would have accepted a kiss, but I wanted to wait. The moment had to be perfect. I didn¡¯t want to scare her. The speed of this was already potentially alarming.

    ¡°So after our heavy talk this afternoon, where do we start?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we pick up where we left off,¡± I suggested, ¡°and just tell each other about ourselves. Oddly enough, the tough stuff seems mostly out of the way. Why don¡¯t you start and tell me about your family, what you do, what you like, what dreams do you have?¡±

    I released her from our embrace and we held hands and talked for hours. I learned she taught third grade and loved it.

    ¡°Being around children all day feeds my soul. It gives me hope for our future!¡± She glowed when she talked about her career.

    ¡°What do you do, Ben?¡±

    ¡°Pretty boring, actually. I¡¯m a software engineer. I spend my days treating electrons and clients like children!¡±

    She laughed.

    ¡°Actually, I decided when Megan left that I was going to change a lot of things. I quit my job with a large firm downtown, left behind the politics and stifling management team, and started my own company working from home. I was fortunate that I had made a lot of great contacts in the industry and I have a good reputation. So I decided to work for myself as a paid consultant and it¡¯s proven to be the best choice I could ever make.¡±

    We switched to family life. Her parents lived about 50 miles South of Chicago. She has a brother and sister who lived in the area and were both married. Each had 3 kids.

    ¡°One of each?¡±

    I can be a smart-ass. She rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Each has two girls and one boy, you idiot!¡± She playfully smacked me.

    ¡°Seriously, though, having them all nearby helped pull me together when all that stuff went down with my husband. Our family is really close. They kept Hanna feeling stable when I was hitting rough patches, and their help was a Godsend when Mattie came along!¡±

    I told her of my family. Mom and Dad were about three hours away in Indiana. I had two brothers and three sisters. All were married and lived near Mom and Dad except my youngest sister who was in college and still lived at home. We were very tight-knit, but the distance made it hard.

    Laura loved the outdoors. Hiking, camping, picnics, and the like. She preferred driving trips rather than flying everywhere.

    ¡°Driving trips?¡± I asked. ¡°I like getting there fast and enjoying the destination.¡±

    ¡°Well, the road to Hawaii is a little hard to navigate, I¡¯ll admit!¡± She snickered. ¡°I don¡¯t hate flying, but a three or four-hour car trip is really nice! For me, getting there is part of the destination.¡±

    A lot of our thoughts, likes, and dislikes were similar but left room for healthy debates. She hated slap-stick comedy, but I loved it. She had no desire to skydive. I pretended to be upset until she realized I wanted nothing to do with it. I hated heights, and so did she. Therefore bungee jumping was out! I liked pretty much any kind of music except bagpipes. She loved them because it spoke to her ancestry. She loved gardening, and I really hated it!

    These were all the little things. It gave us a frame of reference for each other. We found lots of compatibility without any roadblocks of consequence.

    We talked freely. She has a great sense of humor and wasn¡¯t afraid to use it. It was easy to have playful give and take banter. We were ourselves, and it was so comfortable.

    By 10:30, I decided to address two things important to me.

    ¡°Okay,¡± I said. ¡°We covered a lot of things on the get-to-know-you list. If it¡¯s good with you, can we talk about potential elephants in the room?¡±

    ¡°Are you calling me an elephant?¡± she quipped while playfully smacking me.

    ¡°No! Are you kidding?¡±

    Several times she hinted at her insecurities. I couldn¡¯t imagine someone as gorgeous thinking that way about herself. I¡¯d have to deal with that later.

    ¡°So, go ahead and tell me about the elephants.¡± She said with a cute smile.

    ¡°It¡¯s sort of an elephant, but it¡¯s based on where my head is right now.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± She said.

    ¡°I¡¯m making a huge assumption¡­ that we¡¯re on the same page. I want to get to know you because I feel somehow¡­ pulled towards you. I¡¯m feeling a really nice friendship starting, but I can¡¯t help but think that potentially¡­ we could be a lot more than friends.¡±

    There. I put it out there. I tried to look at her with a calm assurance but I¡¯m sure there was some begging in my eyes too.

    ¡°Please tell me if I¡¯m on the right track.¡±

    She looked at me with a sheepish smile and her cheeks bloomed into the cutest blush the world had ever seen.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    ¡°You¡¯ve assumed correctly!¡±

    ¡°Oh, thank God,¡± I said with a gust of pent-up breath.

    ¡°So is that why I¡¯m an elephant?¡± she joked.

    ¡°Stop that!¡± I exclaimed matching her humor. ¡°Although I caught on that you never forget anything, so maybe...?¡±

    I received another playful smack. ¡°Come on.¡± She faked some minor exasperation.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we have a problem, but we don¡¯t know much about each other yet. So I just want to check that something is a non-issue.¡±

    ¡°Is this another elephant?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s just¡­ well¡­ if things progress as I sincerely hope they will, is our age difference an issue for you? I mean, I don¡¯t know how old you are, but with Hanna being nine, I can guess a range.¡±

    ¡°Oh really?¡± she smiled. ¡°What range are you guessing?¡±

    ¡°Based on pure biological possibilities,¡± I speculated with a smile, ¡°and taking nine years into account, you could be anywhere between, let¡¯s see¡­ twenty-two and about fifty!¡±

    ¡°Fifty!¡± A flurry of playful shoulder slaps battered my shoulder.

    ¡°Hey!¡± I said while protecting myself. ¡°I also said twenty-two, so you could be younger than me!¡±

    She was laughing but she started to bring the conversation around. ¡°Is age an issue for you?¡±

    ¡°No. Not at all,¡± I replied, trying to impress on her I was telling the truth. ¡°Frankly, and please don¡¯t hit me, if you were fifty I wouldn¡¯t care. Age means nothing to me when it comes to matters of the heart! I don¡¯t think we¡¯re that far apart, but I want to eliminate anything that could come up down the road.¡±

    ¡°How old are you?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m twenty-seven.¡± I paused, then added with a smile, ¡°and seven-eighths.¡±

    ¡°So, almost twenty-eight you¡¯re saying?¡± she said with a grin. ¡°I don¡¯t know. You may be too old for me.¡±

    I pressed my luck and gave her a little tickle in the ribs for that. I was rewarded with a sequel, a big smile, and she leaned into my arm.

    She took my hand with both of hers and pulled my attention to her. ¡°I¡¯m thirty-three¡­and a half,¡± she declared with a deep grin. ¡°And I don¡¯t think it matters at all if you don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it matters in the least!¡± I assured her. ¡°That was a nice¡­ non-issue!¡±

    ¡°Are you looking for issues?¡± She snuggled back into my shoulder.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. It¡¯s just¡­ we seem to be so good for each other and¡­ I¡¯m¡­ well, really¡­ we¡¯re both coming off some relationship disasters. I¡¯m having trouble believing how quickly I¡¯m feeling pulled toward you.¡±

    She reflected a moment. ¡°I get it. Is it too good to be true? I¡¯d like to find out too!¡±

    We had a comfortable silence for a few moments as she snuggled into my arm while still holding my hand.

    She quietly shared her thoughts.

    ¡°Ben, over the course of one day you¡¯ve shown me the kind of man you are. At twenty-seven, or almost twenty-eight,¡± she laughed, ¡°a lot of guys are still in college mode or looking to hook up or play the field.¡±

    She paused briefly before continuing. ¡°Listen, I¡¯ve seen the depth of who you are. I know how strongly you feel things. You¡¯ve proven you have stability and a firm handle on life. It feels strange to be comfortable enough to say what I want to say after one day, and I don¡¯t want to scare you away. But, Ben, what I¡¯ve seen today makes me want to explore being a part of your life. You are intriguing. You¡¯re freshly different! Am I totally nuts or misreading today?¡±

    ¡°Maybe we¡¯re both nuts¡­ I don¡¯t know. But this I do know¡­ I wish I knew how to do an Irish jig!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± She pulled back to look at me.

    ¡°You know, an Irish jig. Sorta like the happy dance Snoopy does!¡±

    She gave me a strange smile. ¡°And¡­ why?¡±

    ¡°Because I can¡¯t think of enough words to express my current state of happiness. I think an Irish jig could help!¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying I¡¯m not misreading the day?¡±

    ¡°Laura, you read perfectly! Scary, huh?¡±

    ¡°A little¡­ but not as much as you¡¯d think. I¡¯m not scared!¡±

    ¡°Funny. Neither am I!¡± We snuggled.

    ¡°Are we still killing elephants?¡± she said with a wide smile.

    ¡°You¡¯ve given me the perfect segue, but from all we just talked about, I really need to give you a hug and do an internal Irish jig for joy!¡± I pulled her into me and, if possible, I felt our closeness increase even more. Then simultaneously we started to move like we were pretending to jig and laughed at our mutual response.

    Staying in the hug, she opened the floor for the next topic. ¡°Now tell me what I inadvertently segued into talking about.¡±

    ¡°You mentioned a firm handle on life. My firm handle, or more my foundation, is my faith. So I¡¯m not bringing up a problem. I¡¯m letting you know that your faith shines through the way you are, who you are, and the things you do. When Hanna said the blessing tonight, the faith in this home and in your family blew me away. So I already know we are in sync with the most important issues we could face.¡±

    Still hugging, but even tighter now, I felt her start to sob into my chest. She pulled back from the hug smiling but with tears freely falling. ¡°You have no idea how happy I am you said that!¡± she said with absolute joy and emotion. ¡°That¡¯s right where I am!¡± She moved faster than I thought a human could move, and our lips met like two magnets finally yielding to the force they¡¯ve been fighting for hours.

    I felt a surge in me like I never had before. Not like a shock of electricity, but more like a current of pure energy. It wasn¡¯t a long kiss, maybe five seconds. It wasn¡¯t a lustful kiss of passion. Our tongues never met. It was a milestone kiss. It was full of emotion stronger than can be imagined. It was full of an unspoken promise to see where this road would take us. In less than a day, we were now on a path we both desperately wanted to walk together. This road promised to give us a chance for joy and happiness. We both thought those things were beyond our reach before that day. That one, incredible day.

    ¡°Wow!¡± I said with heavy breath.

    ¡°Did you feel it too?¡± she asked with a bright glow about her.

    ¡°Oh yeah!¡±

    She snuggled back into an embrace.

    After ¡°The Kiss,¡± the conversation was very warm and more intimate. There were comfortable moments of silence as we contemplated the evening. We talked about glimpses we had of each other over the past year.

    ¡°I remember watching you shovel my driveway during that blizzard in February. Hanna and I watched you from the window and she was telling me she talked to you a couple of times and that you were nice. I wanted to come out and say something, but you were being so selfless. Something told me anything I¡¯d do or say would embarrass you.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d notice and, you¡¯re right, I wouldn¡¯t have known how to act. I wasn¡¯t sure if there was a man of the house, but I knew there wasn¡¯t one home and you may need the help. That was two feet of heavy snow.¡±

    ¡°Did you like the cookies I sent over with Hanna to thank you?¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah! I¡¯m a sucker for chocolate chip! And those powdered sugar-coated balls¡ªwhat are they called?¡±

    ¡°My mom called them Russian Tea Balls!¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ those. Absolutely awesome! Thanks for thinking of me and sending them over. I¡¯m curious, though¡­ why did you send Hanna instead of coming over?¡±

    Laura looked a little embarrassed. ¡°I was being shy, I guess. I thought you were really cute and figured I¡¯d make a fool of myself!¡±

    I had to moan and chuckle.  ¡°I wish I had known that and that you were¡­ well¡­ single! I would have come after you like a runaway train!¡±

    She grinned an impish grin. ¡°You mean like you did today?¡±

    ¡°Whattaya mean?¡± I laughed feigning innocence. ¡°I thought I exhibited a lot of restraint today!¡±

    ¡°Oh really?¡± She joined my laughter with her own. ¡°What are you like unrestrained?¡±

    ¡°I hope to show you someday!¡±

    ¡°Ohhh.¡± She cooed in the cutest way I¡¯ve ever seen. There was a brief moment of silence.

    ¡°Hanna was mad I made her take the cookies over.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°I told her I thought you were cute, and she was pushing me to come to talk to you. I think she was trying to set us up!¡±

    ¡°Oh my!¡±

    We continued to talk comfortably over a wide range of subjects. We talked about having to get up for church in the morning which brought us to that topic. We discussed churches and basic doctrines and found we thought alike. The church she has been attending is a little far from home, so she agreed she and the girls would join me at my church in the morning. It would also give me a chance to introduce her to Sarah and Bobby. I desperately wanted them all to hit it off as friends too. I texted Bobby and Sarah to give them some advance notice and invited them to lunch after church with Laura and the girls¡ªmy treat. Laura and I nailed down the details of the morning¡¯s schedule.

    It was a little past midnight. We were clutching each other hoping the night would never end, yet we both knew better.

    ¡°I hate to say it,¡± I moaned. ¡°But I should get home and get some sleep.¡±

    ¡°I hate your saying that too!¡± she moaned in return. ¡°After lunch with your friends, can we come back here and spend day number two of getting to know each other?¡±

    ¡°Am I allowed to join for the movie binge-watch, or would you rather be alone with the girls?¡± I asked.

    ¡°What do you prefer? Just me, or me and the girls?¡±

    ¡°Laura, I would love to sit with you in a warm embrace and let the world go by. But, if you haven¡¯t guessed, I adore your daughters. We haven¡¯t talked about this, but I hope you know, they will never be an elephant in the room. You haven¡¯t asked but I hope you already know that they are not a roadblock for me in the least. They¡¯re exactly whatever the opposite of a roadblock is. If the road takes us where I think it will, I will cherish and treasure them. I already do!¡±

    I said that in the spirit of openness, but my reward was another fantastic kiss.

    ¡°You just keep getting better and better!¡± she said with a glow. ¡°Where have you been all my life?¡± She kissed me again. The electricity kept flowing.

    I thought about her rhetorical question for a moment. And even though it wasn¡¯t expected, I had to respond.

    ¡°I think before today, I didn¡¯t fully exist. It¡¯s hard for me to explain, but the power we both seem to feel when we kiss or hug has been happening to me all day. From the moment I saw you walking towards me today¡­ well, now yesterday I guess, I¡¯ve felt an energy from you and around you. I never saw or felt anything like it before. Until I felt that, it was as if I was going through the motions of life just, somehow, I think, waiting for you. Do you think that¡¯s weird or strange? Or maybe corny?¡±

    ¡°How can I?¡± she asked. ¡°I saw you sitting on your lawn talking to the girls with such a glow that I was irresistibly pulled to come to you. I know exactly what you mean. I¡¯ve felt it all day!¡±

    We held on even tighter. No words, just basking in shared warmth for another fifteen minutes or so. Finally, I groaned and told her I should get going if I¡¯m going to get up for church.

    Laura walked me to the back door and I turned to say goodnight. I had one more thing to add to what we shared.

    ¡°Laura, this was perhaps the best day of my life and I¡¯m expecting even greater days ahead. I¡¯m going to promise right now that I will be open and honest with you about everything and anything. If this wasn¡¯t our first day together, I¡¯d be telling you something a little different. But what I will say is¡­ how can I put this¡­ I EXTREMELY like you!¡±

    She laughed again. How I loved that laugh.

    ¡°Believe it or not, I EXTREMELY like you too!¡±

    This kiss was even more powerful. We both let our tongues slip out as if to ask permission to enter, and both granted entrance. Our tongues intertwined in a slow dance of passion, of promise, and of hope. I felt like we were past ¡°extreme like,¡± but neither of us was comfortable putting the word out there. I felt love growing. I hope she felt it too. For several minutes we held our incredible embrace and the deep, gentle kiss. We slowly broke our lips apart and took deep breaths.

    ¡°I can¡¯t improve on that with any words!¡±  I moaned.

    ¡°Ah¡­ah¡­oh my!¡± she stuttered. ¡°I think you just told me something more than good night!¡±

    I kissed her on the forehead and whispered in her ear. ¡°I¡¯ll see you in a few hours, but I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ll be sleeping until then. Good night, Laura.¡± I turned to slowly go out the door, holding her hand until the distance grew too great.

    I walked home with the image of her smiling, glowing, with joyful tears glistening and reluctantly waving. And, that kiss! Of all the great things I learned about Laura that day, my list had another important entry. She was passionate with a capital ¡°P.¡±

    I floated into my room and fell into a deep, contented sleep.

    What a day!

 Chapter 12. You Kissed Mommy!

    Sunday morning was a flurry of activity. I went to Laura¡¯s house at 10:00 to arrive at church in time for the 10:45 service. Laura greeted me with a light kiss and I noticed two pair of eyes taking it all in.

    ¡°Misser Ben! You kissed Mommy!¡± Mattie exclaimed somewhat loudly.

    ¡°Yes, I did, Mattie. I like your mommy! Is that okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± She smiled. That was enough for her.

    Laura went to get her purse and keys since we were using her car. Hanna pulled me over and I expected to be given the third degree.

    ¡°Mr. Ben, what did you do to my mommy?¡±

    ¡°Whatta you mean, Hanna?¡± I wondered what a nine year old would think I would do to her mother. Did she think I was mean? Perhaps she knew enough about the birds and the bees to think I took advantage of Laura?

    ¡°She¡¯s walking around all happy, singing all the time. And she keeps asking what I think of you and stuff. What¡¯d you do?¡±

    ¡°I just did what you told me. I was nice to her.¡±

    ¡°Well keep it going, okay?¡± She smiled so sweetly. Again, I saw her mother in her.

    ¡°Okay! I can do that. So, what did you say when she asked what you think of me?¡± I teased her with a sly smile.

    Her mouth twisted impishly. ¡°I just said you were all right.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ girl!¡± I clutched my chest with a grin of my own. ¡°That¡¯s the best I get?¡±

    She ran over and jumped into a big hug and whispered loudly in my ear. ¡°Actually, I said you¡¯re awesome!¡± She gave me an extra squeeze and then took off with a little giggle. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    We made it to church on time to get Mattie and Hanna settled in junior church activities when I saw Sarah and Bobby. Both greeted me with the usual hug and I introduced Laura. She hugged them both like they were old friends, and we wandered up to the sanctuary for worship.

    Laura sat between Sarah and me and chatted before the service began.  I was really pleased they were becoming fast friends. I couldn¡¯t hear all they said, but I heard lots of giggles accompanied by looks my way. I expected they were going to gang up on me. No surprise ¨C I looked forward to it!

    At lunch, Hanna and Mattie both clung to Sarah and Bobby like favorite aunts and uncles. At the perfectly sized round table, Mattie insisted on sitting between Sarah and me, while Hanna sat between her mom and Bobby. She was a bit put-out that she didn¡¯t get next to me, but Laura won that minor battle. It didn¡¯t bother her too long. She and Bobby were having a great talk. Laura was beaming the whole time.

    I had just finished paying the check when Bobby got everyone¡¯s attention to give us some news.

    ¡°Laura,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m so glad we are getting to meet you and these two lovely girls¡­ and that you¡¯re here today. And Ben, you¡¯re our closest friend and¡­ there¡¯s something we need to tell you all.¡± He smiled and started to choke up a bit.

    Sarah rescued him. ¡°Well, we¡¯re officially expecting!

    Laura and Sarah went into controlled scream mode and Laura ran over to hug Sarah. I did the same with Bobby but without the scream, and then gave Sarah a big hug while Laura explained to Mattie what expecting means. Hanna joined in hugging Sarah and Bobby.

    As we were leaving, Laura asked Sarah and Bobby to come to her place for a little while to get to know each other better. Sarah agreed, but only for a little while. The strong friend she was, she knew I needed more time alone with Laura and the kids.

    The weatherman was wrong, and it never really rained. So, the four adults sat out back in the Adirondack chairs while the girls played outside. Laura and I explained the events of the previous day for the first hour and Sarah and Bobby just grinned with approval and happiness for us both. They both said a lot of their prayers seemed like they¡¯re being answered.

    It was about 2:00. Mattie quietly walked up and climbed into my lap and was softly snoring within a minute. Sarah and Laura were talking with each other when Mattie came to me and they looked over at us with watery eyes and crooked smiles. I¡¯m sure I looked the same, nobody was surprised. They knew me! But even Bobby was misting a bit although he would completely deny it.

    We talked about another hour by which time Sarah and Bobby announced they needed to take off. Laura and Sarah shared contact information and made plans to get together, do baby preparation stuff, and just hang out. Something told me they would become inseparable friends.

    Bobby walked in to help me lay Mattie down on the sofa. He normally knows exactly what to say, but all he could offer out of earshot from the woman was, ¡°Dang, Bro! She and her girls are awesome! And right next door, too! Don¡¯t screw it up!¡±

    A few hours after they left, I ordered Chinese food for delivery thus giving Laura a break from cooking. We watched ¡°Back to the Future¡± together and Hanna loved it.  Then it was bedtime for two little girls and more alone time for Laura and me. We had no agenda tonight. We lightly discussed social topics, politics, and a host of other areas of interest. Again, we agreed on just about everything. We weren¡¯t fully aligned on a few minor points, but we hit all the major ones.

    The biggest difference between our two nights together was that this one had a much higher frequency of kissing. Every kiss, big or small, long or short, was packed with passion. I got up to leave around midnight and we shared another toe-curling, deep kiss while standing at the door.  I hugged her while recovering from the intense passion and I whispered in her ear, ¡°I really, really, extremely like you!¡±

    She whispered in my ear, ¡°Ditto, but we¡¯re going to run out of adverbs at this rate!¡±

 Chapter 13. First Date

    Even though I was self-employed, Monday was still a workday. Laura was on summer break, so she was home with the girls. She called my cell at about 10:00 AM. Using her pure logic, she informed me that since I had to eat lunch anyway, she made enough for me and I was expected at 12:00. I¡¯m not stupid. I was there at 11:50.

    At lunch, she also convinced me that I shouldn¡¯t have to eat lunch or dinner alone. I had no say in the matter. I tried not to argue with her logic, and from that point on we ate two meals a day together. Over time she emptied the meager fresh food in my kitchen and we stocked up her pantry. She fought me and lost on who would pay the grocery bill. This wasn¡¯t moving in together or making assumptions. It was being pragmatic. But it had the elements of living together in that we were getting familiar with each other through a daily routine.

    The Friday of our first week together was fast approaching. I wanted to do something special because our entire experience as a couple had been either at her house or at church. It was time to take dating up a notch. Since it was my normal night with Sarah and Bobby, I assumed they might be available and I was right. They agreed to come to watch the girls thus allowing me to take Laura out on our first real date. I arranged for a gourmet Italian meal to be delivered for the four of them¡ªpizza! It was the girl¡¯s favorite.

    Wednesday at dinner I told Laura of the plan.

    ¡°This Friday we¡¯re going out on the town! Sarah and Bobby are coming to watch the girls, and we¡¯re going to dine and dance the night away.¡± I thought she¡¯d jump out of her skin she was so excited. Her smile?  Priceless!

    ¡°What do I wear?¡± she asked seriously. I had less than serious answers but decided to play it straight.

    ¡°It¡¯s a dress-up night.¡±

    Friday evening, I arrived at the front door. Amazingly, it was the first time I used that entrance. I knocked¡ªalso a first.

    I was greeted with the vision of jaw-dropping beauty before me.

    Laura had her hair styled and put up in a way I¡¯d never seen on her. I loved her hair down, but up like this made her neck look longer and extremely kissable. She was beautiful even without makeup so I was glad she took a minimal approach. Her black dress was both simple and elegant. It was sleeveless with thin straps that made her appear both delicate and delicious. Her breasts were beautifully highlighted with a crossing pattern that provided sufficient modesty while highlighting their perfection. The dress flowed to a little above her knees giving the admirer (me, in this case) ample opportunity to appreciate her marvelous, shapely legs.

    I was not worthy!

    ¡°Hi, Ben!¡±

    Was it her dress or her voice? I thought her sex appeal was off the charts before. I was melting in front of her.

    ¡°Ben? You can close your mouth now and come over here and give me a kiss.¡±

    I rushed to her to comply and stepped back to look again.

    I finally uttered a sound trying to appear to have some intelligence. ¡°Ah, hi! I mean¡­. WOW!¡±

    She blushed and turned around to the audience - Sarah, Bobby, Hanna, and Mattie were standing behind her all grinning ear to ear. ¡°I think he likes it!¡± she giggled.

    Trying to regain my composure, I handed her a bouquet of flowers. ¡°I¡¯m a little embarrassed now,¡± I said, ¡°because as beautiful as these are¡ªI mean¡ªyou put them to shame!¡±

    She turned red, gave me another kiss, looked sweetly into my eyes and simply said, ¡°Thank you, stud!¡±

    I melted a little more. Then I heard Sarah explaining to Mattie why her mommy called me ¡°stud¡± and the humor brought me back to some level of composure. I turned to the onlookers with gifts.

    ¡°Mattie and Hanna, I have flowers for you as well along with some of your favorite jelly beans!¡±  Sweet little hugs and kisses on the cheeks followed.

    ¡°Sarah, these are for you!¡± I handed her a bouquet.

    She hugged me she asked with a grin, ¡°Where¡¯s my jelly beans?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll share with you, Miss Sarah!¡± Mattie offered. What a sweet child.

    ¡°Bobby, I didn¡¯t forget you!¡± I handed him a six-pack of his favorite brew.

    ¡°Thanks, Bro, but where¡¯re my flowers?

    More giggles followed while Mattie asked, ¡°Why¡¯d Mr. Ben call Mr. Bobby ¡®Bro¡¯, Mommy?¡±

    The ping of a text announced the arrival of our ride. We quickly said goodbye and left to begin official date number one. I had arranged for an Uber to eliminate the stress of parking downtown and give us a chance to talk more attentively. I felt like I was floating on a cloud.

    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    I held her door for her and helped her in the back seat. I always hold her door for her, but the special feel of the night made her take notice. ¡°My shining knight! Thank you!¡±

    The ride was long, but we didn¡¯t care. We held each other, and just drank in the feeling of being together. She kept asking where we were going. I told her to the restaurant of someone who shared her ancestry¡­ McDonald''s! I wanted her surprised, so I wasn¡¯t going to give in until we arrived.

    I had dinner reservations at Ditka¡¯s Restaurant in downtown Chicago. It was not the fanciest restaurant, but I always like the food and it was close to our next destination.

    As we were seated, Laura¡¯s eyes were wide and glowing.

    ¡°I always wanted to come here! Iron Mike was my dad¡¯s favorite player of all time. Every good and bad play was compared to what Ditka would have done!¡±

    ¡°Really! Sometimes you see him here. I saw him once at the big table at the top of the stairs on the second floor.¡±

    That seemed to somehow impress her.

    We held hands across the table and silently prayed, then shared a dozen oysters as an appetizer. Laura couldn¡¯t pass up the obvious question.

    ¡°So¡­ oysters! A well-known aphrodisiac! What are your plans for tonight?¡± Her voice was teasingly accusing me of nefarious intent.

    I raised both eyebrows a few times. ¡°You¡¯ll have to wait to see!¡±

    Laura ordered a cup of Crab Bisque, and the Crab Cake entr¨¦e.

    ¡°You¡¯re not feeling crabby tonight, are you?¡± I touched her hand and impishly smiled.

    ¡°Not yet, but the night is young!¡± I was so glad our humor meshed.

    I went with the Wedge salad and the Day Boat Scallops. I loved the steaks, but didn¡¯t want to fill up too much since I knew that night¡¯s next destination.

    We shared bites off each other¡¯s plates. I offered Laura a bite of scallop and she licked her lips. She flashed me a sultry smirk that inflamed my desires. Her eyes sparkled with a naughty glow. Her moans and sighs proclaimed how she savored each bite, and spoke volumes about her skills as a seductress. I¡¯ve never wanted someone more than I wanted her at that moment.

    The food was excellent, the conversation comfortable, and my dinner companion was perfect.  I couldn¡¯t help noticing every man glancing at her. She was a vision of beauty and grace. I felt on top of the world.

    I was fuller than I¡¯d hoped I¡¯d be, but neither of us could resist dessert. Laura had the Grasshopper Pie ¨C one of my favorites. I went with the Blueberry Cheesecake. Again, we shared with suggestive moans and expressions. The sweetness of the dessert and looks between us as we fed bites to each other released a flood of pheromones that continued to stoke our fires.

    We finished dinner and walked out the front door. No sooner out and she pulled me into her until our lips met. We shared the tastes of the fabulous meal in an even better way!

    ¡°So¡­ what now?¡± she asked.

    ¡°We have a short walk, and then you¡¯ll find out!¡±

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t have anything to do with the oysters, does it?¡±

    ¡°How would you feel if it does?¡± I joked back.

    ¡°Tempted!¡± I felt the swelling of passion by the grin across her face and the look of desire in her eyes.

    We held hands and walked several blocks to a nearby Jazz club to enjoy some cocktails and dancing. It was light jazz, perfect for a romantic evening. The music was excellent. The volume was comfortable enough to enable close conversation. We sat at a small, intimate table and both ordered Moscow Mules. I thought to myself, ¡®Do we even have the same favorite cocktail?¡¯

    Laura continued to glow as she drank in the atmosphere. We both immersed ourselves in our growing bond and companionship. With every passing moment, we grew closer and closer. Holding her tightly on the dance floor was divine. I felt I was experiencing what heaven had to be like.

    We were dancing slowly to a very romantic tune, moving together side to side, gently swaying as one. I gently kissed her neck. No words were needed. Our dancing embrace passed a library¡¯s worth of communication between us.

    I felt her shake her head, breaking the spell.

    ¡°Is something wrong?¡±

    She pulled back to look at me and smiled. ¡°Are you kidding? Everything is beyond wonderful! There was just some guy looking at me with a clear intent of cutting in, and I wanted him to know it wasn¡¯t going to happen.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I expected to be beating guys off with a stick with the way you look tonight, but I¡¯m a lover, not a fighter!¡±

    ¡°Lover, huh?¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah!¡±

    I had no sooner said the words when the band started a lovely jazz style version of ¡°The Way You Look Tonight.¡± The timing couldn¡¯t have been better.

    Swaying slowly to the mellow jazz, with her head on my shoulder, I felt her kiss my neck. Nature took hold of me and it was clear she felt the evidence of my arousal.

    ¡°I think somebody is awake!¡± she whispered with a giggle.

    I chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s not going to soothe my embarrassment, but please take it as a compliment!¡±

    She pulled her head back to look into my eyes with a grin. ¡°Don¡¯t be embarrassed. I¡¯m totally flattered, but maybe we should take a break and return to our table. I don¡¯t want other women to be more jealous that they already are.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re not embarrassed, I can deal with it!¡± I said. ¡°I really don¡¯t want to stop and let go of you!¡±

    ¡°Just hold me tight.¡± She smiled. ¡°It¡¯s dark enough in here that I think we can keep things hidden.¡±

    We danced for several more songs. Mr. Happy may have been hidden from everyone else, but he was more than evident to the two of us.

    Finally, I laughed. ¡°Maybe the oysters weren¡¯t such a good idea! I think a break may be best!¡±

    We walked back to the table and I added, ¡°I guess my rise raised another subject we should cover!¡±

    ¡°Good idea!¡± she added. ¡°At least the elephant this time has a big trunk!¡±

    Our resulting burst of laughter caught lots of attention, but we didn¡¯t care.

    We calmed ourselves a bit as she continued. ¡°I¡¯m glad I stumbled on that hot spot on your neck, though. Something tells me I¡¯ll find some more secret places.¡±

    ¡°I expect we¡¯ll both have fun exploring when we get to that crossroad, and I do mean when and not if!¡± I clarified. ¡°Something tells me we¡¯re both gonna find that a fantastic experience!¡±

    Her smile of agreement made my temporary condition much worse.

    We talked a little longer, danced some more once I was back under control, and then thoroughly enjoyed just being together.

    I arranged for an Uber to take us home. During the relaxing ride, we exchanged soft kisses and snuggled. The back neckline of her dress was cut very low, and I could rub a good portion of her back with skin to skin contact. I never wanted the ride to end, but, of course, it eventually did.

    We thanked Sarah and Bobby, and they made a graceful and quick exit with warm smiles of understanding. It was a little after midnight and we decided to sit together a little longer.

    Laura let her hair down and I started to run my hands through it. That made her purr with contentment. I knew now was the time.

    ¡°Laura, you know I  EXTREEEMLY like you!¡± She laughed and turned to look at me. Her timing was perfect as I continued. ¡°I¡¯m also, madly, deeply, and EXTREEEMLY in love with you!¡±

    I softly kissed her as tears streamed through her beautiful smile. She looked deep into my eyes through our puddles of emotion. ¡°I would never have believed this could happen. We¡¯ve known each other just under a week, yet¡­ I know¡­ I¡¯m madly, deeply and EXTREEEMELY in love with you too!¡±

    Every emotion that had been building throughout the week and the special night we just shared came to the surface. We locked into our most passionate kiss yet. More followed. We couldn¡¯t get enough of each other. It wasn¡¯t lust, although there were elements of that in our lips and tongues meeting.  This was love and passion overflowing.

    Fifteen minutes later we took a break to embrace. ¡°Are we nuts?¡± I asked. ¡°Can this happen this quickly?¡±

    ¡°There are two little girls upstairs that know it¡¯s true!¡± she explained. ¡°And Sarah told me last Sunday that she never believed in love at first sight until she saw us together. So, yeah. It can happen this quickly. It has surprised the heck out of me, but what a great surprise!¡±

    She looked at me, and again we joined in a deep kiss. This was real, and I had no doubts.

    ¡°Now what do we do?¡± she asked. ¡°It¡¯s getting late.¡±

    ¡°I could stay like this for an eternity.¡± I sighed. ¡°But I should probably head home and get some sleep. I think this weekend will be filled with happy discussions we both want to have. When should we get together tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°I want to spend every moment with you I can!¡± she pleaded.

    ¡°Me too, but I should mow in the morning and do a little yard work, or the neighbors will complain! By the way, I¡¯ll take care of your lawn at the same time.¡± Laura gave me a look like she wanted to argue and then thought better of it.

    She smiled. ¡°I guess I can let you go long enough to do that. How about if you come over at lunch and plan to stay until the wee hours of the morning?¡± she said with a kiss.

    ¡°I think we have a plan.¡± I agreed. ¡°But if I don¡¯t leave now I¡¯ll never get up in time to do anything in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Ben Hawkins!¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone!¡±

    ¡°Laura Wilson!¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± she said with a giggle and a smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to telling you that same thing every day. And I¡¯m anxious to show and prove my love every moment of every day.¡±

    After another long and passionate kiss, we reluctantly said our goodnights.

 Chapter 14. Familiarity Forms Familial Foundation

    Saturday unfolded just as we had planned. We were already a family. Hanna and Mattie had already captured my heart. Every day I was with them, the bond grew stronger.

    And Laura? We both ached for the other. If we were near each other, we had to be touching. If we were out of reach, we still touched with loving gazes. I felt like a whole person again. The emptiness Megan left me with was now filled to overflowing. Happiness doesn¡¯t begin to describe how I felt. I had a joy so deep that I could feel it in my bones. And I could see the same in Laura too.

    Then came Saturday afternoon. It was special in a different way.

    Laura had to do some chores upstairs¡­ laundry and such. It was raining a bit so the girls were inside. I got to spend quality time with each one.

    Mattie was concentrating on her tablet, so Hanna and I worked on a puzzle together. The finished picture would be a large grouping of dolls. So, lots of colors and a very busy picture made for a stiff challenge. She was quite good at it.

    We chatted about the puzzle for a while, then moved to other topics.

    ¡°Hanna, as smart as you are, I assume you like school?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I like summer break, but I miss school and my friends. I get to see them once in a while.¡±

    ¡°Do some of your friends come over?¡±

    ¡°Just a few that live near here. Amy and her sister Terri, you saw them out front one day.¡±

    ¡°I remember!¡±

    ¡°They live the next street over.¡±

    ¡°How about the boys across the street?¡±

    ¡°Yuck!¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    We talked about her dance school, and the friends she had there that were also in her class at school. She had friends at their old church but they lived too far away. She talked seriously with tears in her eyes about a friend at school, Cynthia, whose dad was mean to her. Cynthia and her mom moved to a secret place to hide.

    ¡°I pray for Cynthia every night! God will help her. I hope she moves back so I can see her again!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good thing to do.¡±

    I wanted to lighten the mood a bit.

    ¡°So, what do you want to do when you grow up?¡±

    ¡°Not sure. I want to help people. Maybe a doctor or something. Mom says there¡¯s plenty of time to figure it out.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to be a dancer?¡±

    ¡°I am a dancer!¡± she said trying to look indignant but stifling a smile.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    ¡°Yes! You are!¡±

    ¡°Dancing is nice, and you can make people feel good, but I want to really help!¡±

    Hanna captured my heart so easily. I imagined Laura was just like her when she was little.

    Mattie walked over with a box in hand.

    ¡°Hanna! Let¡¯s do makeup!¡±

    The box was filled with play makeup.

    Hanna shouted, ¡°Mr. Ben! Can you help?¡±

    ¡°Are you allowed to do this without your mom?¡±

    ¡°Yep!¡±

    She opened the box and carefully laid out the contents. Mascara, face powder, lipstick, the works.

    ¡°Me first!¡± Mattie shouted.

    ¡°Okay!¡± Hanna said. ¡°Mr. Ben can do your cheeks. I¡¯ll put the lipstick on!¡±

    I was out of my element, but it was fun. I tried to apply just a little to be subtle. The toy makeup wasn¡¯t forgiving enough to permit that. When we were done, Mattie looked more like she ran into a paint gunfight and lost.

    ¡°Mattie! You look so beautiful!¡± I said. She did, the makeup didn¡¯t. She looked suddenly shy, but happy with herself.

    Hanna came up with a fun and devious idea.

    ¡°Mr. Ben, let us do you!¡±

    I was afraid! Very afraid! But I was game.

    ¡°What do you want me to do?¡±

    ¡°Lay down on the floor on your back and close your eyes.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ close your eyes!¡± Mattie added.

    ¡°Okay! Here I go!¡± I laid back. Hanna knelt to the side of my face. Mattie climbed up and sat on my chest. I was trapped and at the mercy of two lovely, kind, awesome, and devious little sweeties.

    My face was being gently mauled. There was lots of giggling and snickering. Something told me I was getting the deluxe treatment. I felt makeup being applied all over. I didn¡¯t know makeup went on your forehead and ears.

    Suddenly I heard roaring laughter above me. Laura came back down and was standing over me. The girls moved as I opened my eyes hoping nothing was going to fall in them and sting. The girls were rolling on the floor. Laura couldn¡¯t contain herself.

    ¡°Girls! You did a beautiful job!¡± She was spitting laughter as she said it.

    ¡°Okay! So¡­ how do I look?¡±

    ¡°Real pretty!¡± Mattie shouted while laughing at me.

    Hanna was more honest in her couched response. ¡°Unbelievable.¡±

    ¡°Laura¡­ what do you think?¡±

    ¡°Wait here!¡± she ordered. She retrieved her phone and started snapping pictures.

    ¡°These will come in handy someday!¡±

    ¡°Can I see?¡± I asked.

    ¡°If you can take it!¡±

    ¡°Oh-oh.¡± I had to laugh at the image. I was struggling to describe it. I went the safe route.

    ¡°Great job, girls! I¡¯ve never looked better!¡±

    They totally lost it. They were howling uncontrollably.  Laura hugged the two girls and I was the target of their amusement.

    Laura finally found a suitable description.

    ¡°You look like¡­ like a deranged clown mixed with cheap streetwalker!¡±

    The image on the phone verified her description. Every inch of my face, neck, ears, and forehead was covered with bright blue, green, red, and yellow. My red lips looked five times wider than they really were. I was hideous! Beautifully hideous! I was having a blast!

    Calming down a little but still on the edge of busting out again, Laura suggested we move to the table for a snack and something to drink. She tried to quietly tell me that it was okay to go wash up, but I wouldn¡¯t dare. I sat quietly at the table as if everything was normal. Our ¡®lemonade and carrot time¡¯ was delightful as they tried to contain themselves. I loved it. Laura calmed her laughter enough that she could absorb our interaction. She saw it clearly. I loved these little angels, and they loved me. Being with them was as natural as breathing.

    I finally got to wash off their artwork. Some remained and would only come off in the shower later. I¡¯d wear it every day if I could always feel that way.

    Later, dinner was pizza¡­ always a good choice. After dinner was movie time. The girls changed into their PJ¡¯s and we all sat on the couch with Mattie and Hanna seated on either side of me, and Laura on the end. The girls were both snuggled into me, and I was in heaven. It didn¡¯t take long before they were both asleep in my arms.

    Laura carried Mattie upstairs and I carried Hanna. That night, Laura and I took care of the prayers as we embraced while gazing at each sweet face. The girls were out cold. The prayers were not short. They were filled with thankfulness, loving requests for their future, and that they would grow with soft, teachable hearts. I was standing with the one I loved and talking to the Creator of the universe about the little ones He had put in her care... and I hoped they would be in my care too someday.

    I considered what it meant to keep feeling closer and closer to Laura. How could I conclude that it couldn¡¯t get any better one night, and the next night it was better? Closer has so many dimensions. Closeness can be in care, in physical love, emotional love, one-mindedness, all our emotions, all our fears, and so many other dimensions. It¡¯s not singular. This was another dimension. Feeling close to her as we spoke with God felt like all the dimensions were pulled together. Yes, I felt¡­ we felt closer than ever!

    Laura and I returned to the couch. We were tired, overflowing, overwhelmed, overcome, and emotionally spent for the night. It was glorious. ¡°You¡¯ve Got Mail¡± was just starting so we put it on. I sat at the end of the couch and Laura snuggled into me. Tonight we didn¡¯t need to talk. We stared at the screen only half watching the movie we had both seen multiple times.

    Laura laid her head on my lap and I stroked her hair, rubbed her shoulders and back. She was asleep in minutes and I just took in the lovely sight of her peaceful face. Even in sleep, she smiles. I pondered and reflected on how blessed I was at the moment and drifted off to sleep myself.

    Laura woke up before I did around 3:00 AM. She gently brought me from my slumber with tender kisses all over my face.

    ¡°Ben, I¡¯m heading up to bed. Do you want to head home or just sleep here on the couch?¡±

    ¡°Couch sounds good right now.¡± I kissed her goodnight as she headed up the stairs.

    I set my phone alarm to be up and gone before they all got up a few hours later. I wanted to be upstairs with her. Sex wasn¡¯t my intent. I wanted to hold her in my arms all night, and wake to her angelic smile. I put the image in my mind, and quickly drifted back into my dreams. I was at peace.

 Chapter 15. Passion and Precociousness

    Sunday was a repeat of the previous week. It started with church, then lunch with Sarah and Bobby, all of us went back at Laura¡¯s house for a few hours visit, and more conspiracies were brewing between Laura and Sarah. I loved it!

    When Sarah and Bobby left, the day took a new twist.

    As we waved goodbye to Sarah and Bobby, the girls went outside with some friends to play. Laura and I retreated to her formal living room and took occupancy in a large comfortable chair to talk. I sat down, and Laura sat across the arm of the chair and in my lap. The talk lasted less than a few words when our lips met. It turned into a blissful and deeply passionate make-out session. Hands freely wandered avoiding parts we weren¡¯t ready to explore.

    Our bodies were in motion trying to contain the passion yet express it at the same time. Of course, her position on my lap and the grinding of our bodies together got an expected rock-hard rise out of me and it didn¡¯t escape Laura¡¯s attention. She just rolled her eyes and said, ¡°I guess we¡¯ll have to talk about that soon!¡±

    It was the hottest make-out session ever in my experience. Most of the time our eyes were closed, but occasionally mid-kiss we looked deeply into each other¡¯s eyes forming a connection right to our souls. It wasn¡¯t hard to tell that we both had an overwhelming desire to take our physical connection to its full potential, and yet we knew we weren¡¯t ready for that yet.

    Then, something most unexpected happened.

    The front door flew open as Hanna came in from playing. We quickly withdrew to just an embrace. Laura thankfully realized that if she got up that Hanna may see the effects of our passion in my lap. Hanna saw us and waved on her dash to the powder room. Laura and I chortled quietly and tried to look cool until Hanna went back outside.

    Hanna, though, thought she¡¯d visit a moment before returning to her friends.

    Hanna walked in and sat across from us with the cutest look. ¡°Mom¡­ are you and Mr. Ben gonna get married?¡±

    Laura seemed more prepared to reply than I expected. ¡°Sweetie, it¡¯s a little new for us to talk about that. But Ben and I are really in love, so it could happen!¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    Hanna got that impish smile as she addressed me. ¡°I told you to be nice to Mom, but you don¡¯t have to kiss her until her lips are sore!¡±

    We laughed as Laura asked Hanna, ¡°You told him to be nice to me?¡±

    ¡°I have to look out for my favorite mommy!¡± Hanna beamed back. She lunged at us both with a huge three-way hug, turned to go back outside, and stopped in her tracks.

    Hanna slowly turned back to us with a strange look while sniffing the air. ¡°What¡¯s that smell? I don¡¯t remember smelling it before!¡±

    Laura quickly explained to me that Hanna had a very strong nose for aromas. ¡°What¡¯s the smell like?¡± Laura asked. ¡°Like something burning?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± she replied. ¡°It¡¯s sort of sweet and musty. It¡¯s stronger close to you. Mr. Ben, are you wearing a cologne or something?¡±

    I don¡¯t wear cologne. Suddenly¡­ I knew what scent she picked up. I could see Laura came to the same realization.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s the new shampoo I used.¡± I proposed in my haste hoping she bought the concept.

    ¡°Oh, Okay.¡± She said with her normal giggle of enthusiasm. As she ran back outside she shouted, ¡°You can go back to kissing now!¡± In a flash, she disappeared.

    Laura and I couldn¡¯t contain our laughter. ¡°Let me guess,¡± I blurted out. ¡°You¡¯re really wet right now, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah!¡± she responded like it was a dumb question while still laughing. ¡°What did you think would happen with all that making out?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m leaking a lot of anticipation fluids myself,¡± I admitted. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you didn¡¯t notice!¡±

    ¡°You really think I didn¡¯t notice the growing wet spot on my butt?¡± she replied cutely.

    ¡°I was scared Hanna was about to get an education that I wasn¡¯t ready to witness,¡± I admitted.

    ¡°She knows the basics,¡± Laura replied.

    Noticing my slight look of surprise, she explained further.

    ¡°With all the sex these days in movies and TV shows, kids know a lot more than we did at the same age. Not every parent guards their kids against some inappropriate stuff, so you never know what she¡¯ll hear or what other kids will try to do. I decided I needed to prepare her just in case she came up against something she didn¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡°I never thought of that, but I see your point. I didn¡¯t have a clue about the facts until I was a few years older than Hanna. And even then, I had a lot of them wrong.¡±

    ¡°Me too,¡± she added.

    ¡°I have to say your wisdom and mom skills never ceases to amaze me. Everything about you, who you are, the attributes that define you, all your beauty, and that perfect body¡­ It¡¯s no wonder I¡¯ve fallen head over heels for you!¡± I sealed the emotion with a kiss.

    ¡°Perfect body?¡± she asked. ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it, but it¡¯s far from perfect!¡±

    I knew this was the time to address some things. ¡°Why don¡¯t we get some of the lemonade you made and sit at the kitchen table? I think Hanna has given us some things to talk about and, frankly, if we stay here making out any longer I don¡¯t think I can maintain my self-control!¡±

    ¡°Promises, promises!¡± she said with a sly smile. ¡°But I think you¡¯re right. First, I better go upstairs and freshen up a bit so Hanna doesn¡¯t pick up our scent again.¡±

    ¡°That sounds like a good idea.¡± I chuckled in reply. I¡¯m going to run next door, change out of my church clothes, and remove the evidence of a rather amazing making out session!

    ¡°Amazing doesn¡¯t begin to describe it!¡± she added. She gave me a peck on the lips and got up to take care of business. ¡°See you in the kitchen when you get back!¡±

 Chapter 16. Attitude Adjustment

    About thirty minutes later I walked into the back door of Laura¡¯s house just as she poured two glasses of that awesome lemonade she made from scratch. A bottle of Jack Daniels sat on the table right next to where she placed the pitcher down.

    ¡°Hi, gorgeous!¡± I greeted. ¡°Are you planning on us needing a little liquid courage?¡±

    She grinned with a bit of a blush from my greeting. ¡°I figured it may help at some point, depending on where this conversation goes.¡±

    ¡°Good thought!¡±

    She cutely plopped into the chair next to me. I didn¡¯t think she could do anything that wasn¡¯t cute.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe how hot that was!¡± she sighed.

    ¡°How hot what was?¡± I asked feigning ignorance.

    She hit me again. I was hoping she would. Then she put her hand on the back of my neck and pulled our faces together, so she could look me in the eyes from about six inches away. I couldn¡¯t see her mouth but the smile in and around her eyes could light up all of Chicago.

    ¡°Sucking face, you jerk,¡± she said as if she were talking to a toddler. Before the last word left her lips, they were planted on mine in yet another electric kiss.

    She pulled back after twenty or thirty seconds with her eyes closed and a blissful smile. She opened her eyes, then looking deeply into mine. I was lost in her gaze and yet felt more ¡°found¡± than I had ever felt.

    Regaining a little composure, I thought we¡¯d better get the conversation started or we were going to go right back to make-out heaven.

    ¡°So¡­. I guess we should start this meeting¡±

    She grinned. ¡°You always seem to have these kinds of discussions planned out! Where do you want to start?¡±

    ¡°Sorry!¡± I said feeling a bit sheepish. ¡°It helps me focus, and that¡¯s really hard to do when I¡¯m around you¡­ unless you¡¯re the object of my focus¡­ which is just about my every waking moment!¡±

    There was that cute blush and smile. Dang, she was gorgeous!

    ¡°I have three main topics,¡± I continued.

    ¡°Only three!¡± She faked her surprise.

    ¡°Sorry. Organized to a fault,¡± I said, pointing at myself.

    She laughed at me. ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry. I love it!¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­ three topics. The last we may not get to until the girls go to bed. So let me focus on the first.¡±

    I sighed and frowned a bit. She picked up on the fact that she may not like this topic.

    ¡°The first shouldn¡¯t take long and won¡¯t be a discussion. It¡¯s something I have to get off my chest that really bothers me.¡± I wanted to look in her eyes, but I was a bit uncomfortable and I couldn¡¯t help but show it.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°Oh-oh!¡± She winced. ¡°You know your feelings are really transparent! What did I do wrong?¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± I continued a little hesitantly, ¡°you kinda suck at taking a compliment.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Listen.¡± I pushed forward. ¡°I love absolutely everything I know about you. I really love how you can be so honestly humble and unassuming, and still maintain a beautiful confidence.¡±

    ¡°I hear a ¡®but¡¯ coming!¡± she interrupted with a slightly worried look.

    I continued. ¡°Something happened¡­ or someone in your past said something that has heightened some undeserved insecurities. When I look at you, I see the most perfectly beautiful woman imaginable. Your physical beauty stuns me every time I look at you. But that¡¯s not the whole story. I see a strong, deeply passionate, loving, intelligent, warm, and desirable woman. You¡¯re an awesome mother. And you have an inner joy that radiates like the sun even though you¡¯ve had things in your past that could dampen that light if you let them.¡±

    Laura was misty-eyed and had an embarrassed look on her face, but she held her loving gaze into my eyes. I let her have a moment because I saw her struggling to say something.

    ¡°You make me feel so good¡­ but my ex really did a number on me.¡± She spoke softly as a tear trickled down. ¡°He would pick apart any little thing to make me feel ugly or unfit for his attention¡­ you know¡­ like baby stretch marks¡­ or he¡¯d say my butt was getting fat.¡±

    I was tearing up myself as I kissed her hers away. She continued.

    ¡°But I think the biggest thing is... just how damned embarrassed I am with how he fooled me all those¡­ all those wasted years!¡± she said with increasing emotion and volume as the tears flowed full force. ¡°It has really worn down my image of myself¡­ made me feel like something about me wasn¡¯t really good enough. I fought past a lot of that, but some of it lingers on and I can¡¯t shake it!¡±

    I pulled her close and just held her, letting her tears soak into my shoulder. I needed to hear her say that.

    Still holding her, I talked softly into her ear. ¡°He was a manipulative misogynistic jerk. He used his powers and skills as a salesman and took advantage of a loving, trusting woman. Don¡¯t let him keep winning by holding on to the lies he told you.¡±

    ¡°I missed some early signs of what he was¡­ I guess I was caught up in¡­ in the idea of love¡­ and he was a good-looking man. Little things I noticed started to give me hints of a problem¡­ I talked myself out of them. I should have seen it so much earlier!¡± She was clearly angry with herself.

    I pulled back and looked into her eyes again. She struggled to look at me at first, then succumbed.

    ¡°Look!¡± I said. ¡°It¡¯s in the past. Don¡¯t let him hurt you anymore. He can¡¯t. He¡¯s in the ground! I can¡¯t force you to put it all in perspective, but I can suggest a thought that may help.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What he put you through was a price. For all the crap that surrounded him and that horrible experience, you now have two beautiful little girls that wouldn¡¯t exist otherwise. I know I¡¯d pay a pretty high price for that reward. You need to make up your mind if they are worth it! If so, I think you can put the cost in perspective and accept it as paid in full, and maybe move on.¡±

    She clenched onto me as hard as she possibly could as she emptied what remaining tears she had. With every ounce of emotion, Laura touched my heart with her exclamation. ¡°God, thank You for this man! I love him so much!¡±

    We held onto each other for a good five minutes as she let the emotions pass.

    ¡°I never thought about it like that¡­ but you¡¯re so right, Ben! Oh my gosh. Why didn¡¯t I realize that before?¡±

    When she eventually pulled back into her seat, I said, ¡°Stand up!¡±

    She looked at me like I was a little weird, which I was.

    ¡°Let me see your tummy,¡± I asked. Now she was sure I was weird. I pulled her toward me, raised her top below her bra, and started kissing her stomach where stretch marks should be. Frankly, I didn¡¯t see any.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see any stretch marks, but if they¡¯re here, I¡¯d see them as beauty marks that are evidence of the miracle of your two little girls!¡±

    She giggled as I continued to kiss and hit a few ticklish spots¡­ accidentally on purpose. Then I looked up at her and said, ¡°Turn around.¡± I could tell she caught on to what I was doing.

    She turned, and I grabbed both cheeks and started to kiss them as well. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you had back here before I met you, but you must have had a really skinny butt, ¡®cause this is just right!¡± She laughed, turned, and quickly gave me a kiss. I loved the kiss, but I wanted to fondle her butt a bit more.

    ¡°You¡¯re an amazing guy!¡± she sighed. She slowly sat down and looked me square in the eyes again.

    ¡°I¡¯ve pushed others away since my ex. I didn¡¯t know if I could ever trust another guy to let go of my deepest emotions.  What I¡¯ve experienced with you, learned about you, how the girls respond to you, and what Sarah, Bobby, and others at church have told me¡­ I trust you with my life, Ben Hawkins. I¡¯m giving you my everything. You¡¯ve got the keys to me!¡±

    I had to kiss her, and I mean deeply kiss her as I let some moisture escape my eyes. As we parted lips, I told her, ¡°My love, you have me as well. I may have those keys, but I swear I will constantly work to keep earning them!¡±

    We softly kissed, and I felt satisfied that we were almost done with this part of our talk. But I had to add one more point.

    ¡°Please, please, please¡­ when I tell you that you¡¯re the most beautiful woman in the world, believe what I say. Even if you think I¡¯m the only one who sees that, believe it. I should be the only one that matters anyway. But if you didn¡¯t notice every guy watching you and drooling at the restaurant and the jazz club, you must have had blinders on.¡±

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± She seemed surprised.

    ¡°Oh yeah!¡± I replied with a laugh. ¡°I thought I was going to have to fight for you that night! But it¡¯s deeper than that for me. Physical appearances change with age. I hope we get to grow old together, and if we do I know you¡¯ll still be the most beautiful woman in the world¡­ because I see all of you¡­ the real you¡­ the outside and the inside¡­ the depths of your being. And I love it all!¡±

    We began to kiss but were quickly interrupted by the door opening and two thirsty girls running at us. They both ran at me with a hug, which I think both thrilled and slightly upset Laura. But then they made up for it by running into her arms. The girls and I had become very close in a very short amount of time.

    The girls gulped down some lemonade, we discussed ordering Chinese delivery for dinner, which was met with cheers, and off they went back to playtime.

 Chapter 17. Second on the List

    Laura let out a big sigh of contentment. ¡°So, what¡¯s next on the agenda?¡±

    ¡°First, I just have to say, that you¡¯re without a doubt the most beautiful woman I¡¯ve ever laid eyes on!¡±

    She rolled her eyes with a smile. ¡°Thank you, Ben! Being with you certainly makes me feel that way!¡±

    She gave me a smooch and sat back quickly with a huge smile. ¡°That was a test, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    We both laughed. ¡°Yep! And you passed with flying colors.¡±  Another smooch followed. I couldn¡¯t get enough of them.

    ¡°Okay!¡± I said. ¡°On to subject two and the one I really am looking forward to. We should talk about Hanna¡¯s question.¡±

    ¡°I assume you mean if we¡¯re going to get married,¡± she stated with amusement.  ¡°Can I take the lead on this subject?¡±

    I was a little surprised, but pleased she was ready to attack this part of the agenda.

    ¡°The floor¡¯s yours, beautiful lady!¡±

    She blushed. ¡°Thank you!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure people think we¡¯re nuts even talking about it after only a few weeks. Heck, I think we¡¯re nuts.¡±

    I nodded in agreement with a smile as she continued.

    ¡°But something happened that first day we really met when I came over to you and the girls. I saw you having a great time with Hanna and Mattie and you ¡­ you just looked¡­ so content. You weren¡¯t humoring them¡­ you were enjoying them. I felt like I was in a theatre and the three of you were in the spotlight.  Then the most unusual thing happened. I never felt anything like it before. I felt like I was being pushed towards you¡­ as if the hand of God was leading me right to you. Do you know what I mean or am I crazy?¡±

    I know I had a huge smile and a few little tears as I struggled to make my throat cooperate enough to respond. ¡°I know exactly. Me too!¡± I shortened my response to try and gain some composure. My voice was cracking. Her smile became overwhelmingly inviting as I pulled her into an embrace. I held her tight, so I could speak into her ear without gazing into her eyes because I didn¡¯t want to lose my loose grip on the emotions welling up.

    ¡°When you walked toward me that day, it was as if I was watching my every dream come to me in the most beautiful package I ever saw. You were glowing. It was all I could do to not run over, grab you in my arms right there, and march you to the altar. I guess we¡¯re both crazy but at least we¡¯re crazy together¡­ and I know I¡¯m crazy in love with you!¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    We melted together as our lips locked with pent up emotion. We couldn¡¯t sit still. Our mouths and tongues met in frantic passion, constantly moving as if we were trying to climb into each other through our kisses. We mumbled words of love and thanked and praised God for answered prayers. This wasn¡¯t happening too fast for either of us. I had visions of our family life together and my emotions felt like Old Faithful ¨C just shooting up in glorious relief to the sky.

    My lips were sore, so I assumed hers were too. Hanna¡¯s question was clearly answered in both our minds. This was going to happen. More details would be fleshed out as we cooled down a bit. But right now, it was time to take care of ordering dinner delivery.

    We sat back at the table after taking care of ordering dinner, and I reopened our discussion.

    ¡°What are your thoughts on timing? I mean, I haven¡¯t formally asked you yet so we¡¯re not ready to announce anything.¡± I flashed her my most impish smile. ¡°Assuming I ask, how long should we wait?¡±

    ¡°We could call the pastor now!¡± she replied half-joking. I pulled out my phone trumping her bluff.

    ¡°Put that away!¡± she giggled. ¡°Let¡¯s be a little serious! Assuming we do this, I don¡¯t want a big wedding or lots of pomp and circumstance. Us, of course¡­¡±

    ¡°That would be good!¡± I said interrupting.

    She continued. ¡°Our immediate families, Sarah and Bobby and very few other friends¡­ and that¡¯s it! Small, uncomplicated, a luncheon reception in the church hall, and I¡¯ll be the happiest bride on the planet!¡±

    I flashed her an impish grin. ¡°If I ask, then¡­ this could be pulled together rather quickly!¡±

    ¡°Yep!¡± she happily agreed. ¡°I don¡¯t need a hundred-thousand-dollar royal wedding! Our friends won¡¯t care if we have steak or sandwiches. We want them there to share our joy, and spending ten times more than is necessary isn¡¯t going to make it more memorable or more meaningful!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m with you, sweetie. So, for now, we are thinking alike again! At this rate, I think we¡¯ll get bored of each other!

    She laughed. ¡°No, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be bored!¡±

    ¡°So, changing the subject just a little but closely tied to wedding stuff.¡± I squirmed a bit. ¡°Sex!¡±

    Her face erupted in an impish smile. ¡°Do you mean we should head upstairs?¡± I knew she was kidding, but I wanted to take her offer for sure.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tempt me too much. I am just a weak-willed man!¡±

    A little laughter ensued. ¡°Actually, you¡¯ve shown admirable restraint. I¡¯m both glad you have, and a little sorry!¡± She smirked.

    I pondered that statement a moment with a smile. ¡°Look, I know in our society most people would assume we¡¯ve been doing the human pretzel for a few weeks now to make sure we¡¯ve test-driven the car before we bought it!¡±

    She roared in laughter. ¡°Human pretzel? Where do you come up with these things? It does paint a picture though, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    I had to chuckle. ¡°Yeah, it does. But trying to be somewhat serious¡­ something I¡¯m failing at¡­ but that¡¯s okay¡­ I need to be clear on where my head is, and I think¡­ or at least hope you feel the same way.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Seriously now.¡± She chuckled and blushed.

    ¡°This may sound like we¡¯re teenagers living at home, but I think it¡¯s important. I don¡¯t believe we should make love until we¡¯re married.¡±

    ¡°It hurts a little to agree, but we¡¯re on the same page.¡± She seemed both sorry and relieved.

    ¡°I know about the hurt. Something¡¯s turning blue!¡± I laughed as she snorted a giggle. ¡°I mean, I know neither of us are virgins. We were each married once, and both have only had our first spouse as a lover. But it¡¯s not about that. The first time we make love I want to look in your eyes and feel us finishing what we agreed to in our vows. I want that bond to be felt at that moment.  Just like the rings will be a symbol of our eternal bond, the first time we make love is the physical and spiritual manifestation of that bond. We will be one!¡±

    She leaned over and kissed me. ¡°Yes, we will!¡±

    Again, we embraced. There was no room for anything between us. I could swear we were melting into each other. We had a path to walk together.

    ¡°This is really happening!¡± My heart was leaping for joy.

    ¡°Thank God! Yes, it is!¡± she agreed.

    The doorbell rang as dinner arrived.

    ¡°The fun talk starts when the girls are asleep!¡± I said with a near evil grin.

    ¡°I can¡¯t wait! But I guess we¡¯ll have to.¡± Her pouting smile gave away her thoughts.

 Chapter 18. Intimate Details

    Dinner was great. All of us agreed that Chinese was our favorite restaurant food. We talked about the next week being the Fourth of July weekend. Both sets of parents would be here along with Sarah and Bobby for a picnic. Laura and I both talked to our families about each other. I think my mom knew we were getting serious very fast, but even she would be surprised how close we had become. Neither of us had actually met the other¡¯s parents yet, so this would be quite a revelation. It made us both a little nervous and a little excited.

    After dinner, I played on the floor with Mattie, then lost some more matches of Super Mario to Hanna. Finally it was bedtime for the girls. For Laura and me both, it couldn¡¯t have come quick enough. We had some unfinished business. And the subject was of great interest to us both.

    Once stories were finished, prayers said, and both girls tucked in, Laura came back down to pick up where we left off. What I didn¡¯t count on was she had changed into comfortable shorts made of the same material used for sweatpants, and a loose-fitting tee shirt. I prayed she had on underwear, or I was going to have a really hard time. And I meant that in both ways it could be taken!

    I was in our favorite talking chair in the living room. I ogled her and I was probably drooling. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you could get any sexier, but¡­ WOW!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so cute when I make you blush!¡± she responded. ¡°I figured I¡¯d get comfortable. So, you like?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m assuming you¡¯re getting on my lap again, so I think you¡¯ll know my answer shortly!¡± I said chuckling a bit.

    Once again, she sat across the arm of the chair onto my lap. She rose up slightly as she smiled. ¡°I think you may want to reposition my answer a bit. That¡¯s gotta be uncomfortable!¡± She giggled.

    ¡°Ooh!¡± I uttered as I complied with her suggestion.

    ¡°This is a good place to talk quietly so what we say doesn¡¯t float upstairs,¡± she noted. ¡°Plus, I like the unusual padding!¡± She chortled as she gave me a kiss. ¡°So, where do we start?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t like the sound of ground rules, but I can¡¯t think of a better phrase.¡± I proposed. ¡°So here goes! We already agreed we don¡¯t what to make love until we¡¯re married. I do think, however, that we¡¯re not going to contain some of the passion we both have. I know I don¡¯t need to give you a test-drive¡­ and¡­ pardon how demeaning that may sound¡­ I don¡¯t mean it that way.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± she agreed with a smile and a kiss.

    I continued. ¡°I¡¯ve learned something important about you pretty quickly.¡±

    ¡°Do tell.¡±

    ¡°You are one hot woman.¡±

    She laughed so hard she almost fell off my lap.

    ¡°Seriously, the kisses we¡¯ve shared¡­ you are a very passionate and warm lover. We can talk through some likes and dislikes tonight, but I don¡¯t want to spoil the fun of getting to know every inch of you. I want to know what turns you on, what you don¡¯t like. I mean everything. Once we¡¯re married a day or so, I hope to go exploring, giving you a full massage, kissing every square inch to map out in my mind how to treat you right!¡±

    ¡°You do know you¡¯re getting me really hot right now, don¡¯t you?¡± she asked. ¡°Every square inch?¡±

    ¡°Unless there¡¯s territory you find off limits!¡± I answered.

    ¡°Nope! I just wanted to be able to hold you to that promise!¡± she exclaimed with a laugh and kiss.

    ¡°Trust me! It¡¯s more than a promise. It¡¯s a strong desire I¡¯m fighting with every ounce of my strength.¡±

    ¡°Okay. So, what are these ground rules, and have we broken any yet?¡± she asked.

    ¡°In my mind, I¡¯ve broken them all!¡± I said as she let out a laugh I thought would wake the girls. We shushed each other with giggles as I continued.

    ¡°I feel a little weird even proposing rules, but I¡¯m more comfortable knowing them rather than crossing a line one of us doesn¡¯t know exists.¡±

    ¡°You are weird, but I like that about you.¡± Her grin urged me to continue.

    ¡°I think there are times hands will roam. As long as the ¡®roamee¡¯ is okay with what the ¡®roamer¡¯ is doing, I think that¡¯s all right. I¡¯ve tried to understand the biblical limits. As far as I can tell, fornication is the act of making love, but I¡¯m not sure about touching, caressing, or even fondling. I don¡¯t think¡­ I don¡¯t feel that crosses a line.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good so far!¡± she noted. ¡°What else?¡±

    ¡°I think the key is to avoid what could lead us past the point we agree on. So¡­ I suggest we vow never to climb into a bed together, even fully clothed.¡±

    ¡°Okay. What else?¡±

    ¡°I think we should agree to stay clothed. Fondling over clothes, and maybe even under is okay with me if it¡¯s okay with you! I¡¯d like us to leave the reveal of what¡¯s beneath to the excitement of a wedding night. I think roaming hands will tell a lot but taking in the sight for the first time is something I want to burn into my wedding night memory.

    ¡°I¡¯m good with that too.¡±

    I could tell she was heating up from this subject.

    ¡°I guess the last is something of a foregone conclusion based on our agreement so far. Bringing each other to climax when it feels natural is¡­ well¡­ I¡¯d like it to be, you know, okay!¡±

    ¡°Since I¡¯m well on my way and, judging by the throbbing I¡¯m sitting on so are you. I¡¯m okay with that too!¡±

    Our agreements were sealed with some very heavy kissing.  Sensing a need to avoid a real mess below, I asked her if we could have a little wine. She agrees thus letting me recover before it was too late from her not-so-innocent lap dance.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    When Laura returned I had a pillow on my lap to dampen the friction. She laughed looking at the pillow and the face I was making tried to convey the simple message: ¡°Give me a break!¡± She sat back on my lap and was kind enough to leave the pillow.

    ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± she asked.

    ¡°We have the pre-wedding rules in place. Can we talk a few post-wedding guidelines?¡±

    ¡°The floor is yours. I can¡¯t help but be curious and hope you¡¯re not proposing we cut any fun stuff!¡± She smiled.

    ¡°No way! I¡¯m counting on the fun stuff! But there are a few concepts I¡¯d like us to agree on to be sure our communication is always open.¡±

    ¡°Fire away!¡± She was having fun with this and making it easier to go forward.

    ¡°Here we go. I¡¯m a firm believer that after we¡¯re married, our bedroom is for intimate bonding, mutual pleasure, and good ol¡¯ fun. So basically, if we both want to do something, as long as we agree, and it only involves the two of us¡­ it¡¯s all good! If we want to swing from the chandelier, no problem. What do you think?¡±

    She put on the impish smile. ¡°Not sure about the chandelier, but whips, chains, and all that nasty stuff is okay?¡±

    I laughed back at her. ¡°If we agree, sure. Although I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m comfortable with that! I know you¡¯re kidding, but there could be things you or I are curious about and want to try. It¡¯s our playground for each other. I¡¯ll warn you ahead of time that I don¡¯t think I could ever be okay with something that hurts you. I mean, a little spank or something maybe, but please don¡¯t ask me to hurt you. I¡¯m also not comfortable calling you names like slut or whore the way some girls seem to like. I have trouble separating the attitude of respect that I will show you every moment from the nasty role play that would make me feel like I¡¯m demeaning you. I won¡¯t tear down the woman I love with unloving words.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she added. ¡°I¡¯m not into pain or nasty talk, but a little spank could be nice!¡± The imp was back, but I was pretty sure she meant it. I decided to keep that in mind for some appropriate time.

    ¡°Good. That¡¯s a huge relief for me. If you have a dungeon in the basement, I may run away screaming!¡± We both giggled. ¡°The key for me is that we aren¡¯t afraid to talk about it. Please don¡¯t keep any hidden desires. I want to know, I may even like it too, and no matter how crazy it seems, I love you and want you to enjoy our private and intimate time together!¡±

    ¡°That sounds like a winning formula,¡± she concluded. ¡°This is fun just talking about, and I take it you have more?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just getting started!¡± She pretended to groan. ¡°Oh, come on. You like this,¡± I commented as she laid her head on my shoulder and smiled.

    ¡°Keep going lover boy!¡±

    I was liking this, too.

    ¡°Laura, I want you to promise me you will never, ever¡­ fake an orgasm!¡±

    She sat up with a start. ¡°I didn¡¯t see that coming!¡± She smiled and started hitting me. ¡°What would make you think I¡¯d do that?¡±

    I defended myself. ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­ I didn¡¯t! Please don¡¯t hurt me!¡± I feigned fear.

    ¡°Well,¡± she added. ¡°Don¡¯t you fake it either!¡± I nearly dumped her off my lap as we laughed uncontrollably.

    ¡°That would be quite a trick!¡± I added. ¡°But seriously,¡± as we tried to contain ourselves, ¡°life isn¡¯t like the movies. We may not always climax together. If for some reason I¡¯ve spent myself before you got to your blissful release, I will be sure to finish the job in some other way¡ªusually involving a lot of tongue work.¡±

    ¡°Even if your stuff is flowing out of me? You don¡¯t find that gross?¡±

    ¡°I guess I answered my half of the oral question before I asked it, so I may as well tell you¡­ I¡¯m very orally inclined. You may have picked up on that with all the kissing we¡¯ve been doing and the offer to cover every inch of you with licks and kisses.¡±

    ¡°That didn¡¯t escape me!¡± She smiled. ¡°Good thing I¡¯m the same way, receiving and giving!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s getting really hot in here,¡± I said.

    ¡°Oh!¡± she added. ¡°Yes, I swallow!¡± Her face radiated raw sex appeal. ¡°But you didn¡¯t answer my question. Don¡¯t you find that gross?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to buy bottles of the stuff for a snack!¡± I said as she let out a big laugh. ¡°But I¡¯m not going to object to tasting something you¡¯re willing to taste. I may not try to get into the ooze, but it¡¯s not going to keep me from pleasing you. Besides, would you expect I won¡¯t kiss you after we¡¯ve had some oral play? Would you not kiss me after I¡¯ve brought you to orgasmic paradise multiple times?¡±

    ¡°Multiple, huh? Can we get married tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tempt me! The same thought crossed my mind. In fact, I was wondering if we could call the pastor now and get married over the phone!¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± she said. ¡°I guess we¡¯re learning patience and self-control.¡±

    The mood just continued to be light with lots of laughter while we discussed issues we felt were important to understand.

    ¡°I promise never to fake it,¡± she said. ¡°What else do I have to promise?¡±

    ¡°This is for both of us,¡± I continued. ¡°Let me start by saying¡­ I don¡¯t believe there¡¯s anything wrong with masturbation.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re going there, are you!¡± she said with a rather large blush. She sat up straight and looked right at me. ¡°Wait a minute!¡± She shouted playfully. ¡°Did you get yourself off when you went home to change earlier?

    I did promise to be honest, so I was painted into a corner.

    ¡°Afraid so.¡± I blushed and meekly replied.

    She buried her head in my shoulder trying to hide her embarrassment and giggles. After a moment she softly added, ¡°Me too! It seems we continue to think alike!¡±

    ¡°I thought I was going to explode after that hot and heavy making out. You get me hard just being in your presence. Right now, just talking about this has me on the edge. After this morning it was an act of self-preservation.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re saying you like me, and I make you hot?¡± she playfully asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s a big understatement!¡± I exclaimed. ¡°But back to my point. I don¡¯t see anything wrong with it. Even a lot of bible experts agree that it¡¯s not really covered. I think it becomes sinful when we focus on someone we shouldn¡¯t. If you do it in your mind, you¡¯ve basically done it.¡±

    ¡°Do you do it a lot?¡± she asked, still blushing but open to the discussion.

    ¡°Normally, no. But these last two weeks have been rather active.¡±

    ¡°I guess we¡¯re on the same page again,¡± she added sheepishly. ¡°I¡¯ve had to buy a lot of batteries.¡±

    ¡°So, toys are good too?¡± I asked with a grin.

    ¡°Toys are good!¡± she said with confidence. ¡°Why did you bring up masturbation?¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah. Understanding it¡¯s okay is one thing. But promise you won¡¯t if I¡¯m there to take care of your needs, and I¡¯ll promise the same. I mean, wake me up at three in the morning if you have to, but please don¡¯t take away my opportunity to do something for you that you need especially when I love to do it anyway, and I promise the same in return!¡±

    ¡°This is the easiest negotiation I¡¯ve ever had, and maybe the most fun!¡± she replied. ¡°I promise, even if it¡¯s three in the morning¡­ both ways. Anything else?¡±

    ¡°Nothing I can think of!¡± I replied. ¡°You have any more thoughts or questions?¡±

    ¡°You could describe some of those oral tendencies you have.¡±

    ¡°As you wish, my love.¡±

    I started with a deep, slow kiss. Our tongues were dancing with each other. I¡¯d occasionally suck gently on each of her lips. I moved around her face with gentle kisses, moved towards her ear and kept kissing, softly tonguing her ear. I described what I was doing in soft, suggestive whispers. She sighed with every new morsel of stimulation and the words describing it.

    I moved down her neck to her clavicle and the spot I know she responded to before. She gasped and at the same time pulled the pillow out from under her putting her in contact through our clothes with my throbbing erection. I moved back up her neck, kissing and licking along her jugular vein. I could feel her pulse growing more rapid. Her sudden inhale and moan revealed another hot spot to remember. She was squirming and wiggling slowly, and I knew she was fully aware of how she was affecting me.

    I kept kissing and licking along her neck and started graphically describing what I would do to her body¡­ verbally painting a picture of my descent over her breasts, to her stomach, down each thigh, and all around her hot, wet paradise. I described diving in, and she responded as if it was really happening¡­ breathing harder¡­ almost panting. On her neck, my tongue simulated the actions I was describing. She continued to breathe heavier¡­ move stronger¡­ moan louder¡­ as if it was really happening.

    I went for the prize. I picked a particularly hot spot on her neck to focus on with my tongue. I simulated what I¡¯d do to her hot button while using my tongue the way I described. I alternated between fluttering, sucking, licking lightly, licking heavy with my tongue flattened. My hands were filtering through her hair. Her breathing grew harder and faster. Then she spasmed and emitted muffled screams of ecstasy. Her body went stiff from the sensation. She moaned incoherently with joyful sounding words I couldn¡¯t understand except when she included my name. I heard a man¡¯s voice grunting with pleasure at the same time and realized it was coming from me. Her writhing and grinding had its desired effect. I was coming with waves of pleasure and powerful release.

    We started to calm down and we moved into deep kisses and caresses.  It took a moment to relax before we could say anything.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you made me orgasm without even touching me other than my neck. I mean, you made me come just from your words and kisses! And it wasn¡¯t a small one either! Oh, my!¡±

    Laura pulled our mouths together and our tongues danced with urgency and intensity.

    With a soft, sultry voice, she slowly shared what she experienced.

    ¡°If you can do that without any below-the-waist action, I can wait to feel what happens when¡­ there¡¯s touching¡­¡± she kissed me, ¡°licking¡­¡± another kiss, ¡°fondling¡­¡± a bigger kiss, ¡°and glorious coupling!¡± Our mouths smothered the huge grin we were both wearing.

    Our lips parted, and her head collapsed into my shoulder. I felt her trying to capture the moment with words.

    ¡°I mean¡­WOW! I just hope to live through it! And I guess the huge wet spot on my butt after those strong pulsations massaged my cheeks are evidence you¡¯ve had a similar experience?¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah!¡± I replied with a great sigh. ¡°You¡¯ve turned me into a glorious melted, sticky mess in more ways than one! What¡¯s the pastor¡¯s phone number?¡±

    ¡°Fortunately, I think the urgency of the moment has passed.¡± She sighed and paused. ¡°It¡¯s passed gloriously!¡± She smiled and locked lips with me.

    We gently pulled apart and our gazes met with a new light of satisfaction added to the depth we¡¯ve already shared. Her head snuggled back into my shoulder.

    I whispered softly in her ear. ¡°Oh, glorious ... for sure! Not only do I EXTREEEMLY love you, I think our love life will be out-of-this-world!¡±

    We sat for a little while just holding each other. We were either unaware of the wetness gathered between us, or we didn¡¯t care. Holding, caressing, sharing soft kisses, looking into each other¡¯s eyes, rubbing each other¡¯s backs, running my hands through her hair, cradling her neck as noses or foreheads met¡­ that was all that mattered. We were like one. I felt that if my nose itched, she¡¯d know and scratch it without exchanging words. Our hearts beat as one. We felt¡­ complete!

    Midnight was approaching, and we had church in the morning. Neither of us wanted to part. We hesitated, clutched, grasped, and kissed through a long goodbye. With heavy hearts at our parting, we finally let our hands separate and headed to our respective beds for some rest.

    But, what a day that was. One glorious, heartwarming, hopeful, pleasurable day!

 Chapter 19. Proposing to the Family

    Sunday was typical of the previous several. We went to Sunday school first so Laura and the girls could start to form some relationships with other members, then to the worship service. We had lunch with Sarah and Bobby, then back to our place for a few hours. Late afternoon was typical of any family spending time together. It felt so normal. I was more content than I can ever remember.

    But I had plans to make, and little conspiracies to form. I was able to pull Sarah aside to get her on board. Now I just needed to make the rest of the plans work out.

    Monday morning, I went into town to a jewelry shop owned by a friend from church. I selected what I needed and made sure sizing and engraving could be done in time for Wednesday. I called Sarah and asked her to get Laura out of the house Thursday afternoon to start shopping for baby stuff. I knew Laura couldn¡¯t resist. Laura mentioned it that Monday night at dinner and I offered to watch Hanna and Mattie. I knew Laura would try to make Sarah stay after shopping and would even ask Bobby to come over. I warned Sarah so she would have an excuse ready to beg off. My plan was coming together!

    Wednesday, I ran back into town and picked up the treasures from the jeweler, then ran to the meat market and produce stand for the rest of the supplies. I felt as giddy as a kid at Christmas!

    Thursday was finally here. Sarah picked Laura up at 11:30 and they started their day by going to lunch. The bond Sarah and Laura formed made my heart feel good.

    As they left, the girls and I sat at the kitchen table for their favorite: PBJ sandwiches! It was time to start the process. I had it all rehearsed and knew what I wanted to say.

    ¡°Hanna and Mattie, I have a very important question to ask you.¡± They both listened intently as I continued. ¡°Since I¡¯ve gotten to know your mom and the two of you, I¡¯ve fallen in love with you all!¡±

    ¡°We love you too, Mr. Ben!¡± Hanna exclaimed. ¡°Me too!¡± Mattie shouted as they both came to hug me.

    I continued with some misty eyes. ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s important that I ask you a question. I want to ask your mom if she¡¯ll marry me, and I want to ask you both if that¡¯s okay!¡±

    Mattie was jumping up and down screaming ¡°Yeah!¡± Hanna hugged me again and simply said, ¡°I knew it!¡±

    Mattie continued to shout, ¡°Does that make you our daddy?¡±

    ¡°Do you want me to be?¡± I asked.

    ¡°You bet!¡± Mattie replied.

    ¡°Well, I want you both to be my daughters!¡±

    Mattie was ecstatic, but Hanna was a bit more subdued with a bit of a questioning face. I somewhat expected this.

    ¡°Mr. Ben, would you then move in with us?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± I replied.

    ¡°And would you then sleep with Mommy in her bed?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s normally the way it happens!¡±

    ¡°So then, you¡¯re going to make babies?¡±

    ¡°Most likely!¡± I answered. Her face looked more concerned. What was on her mind?

    She hesitated, and a tear fell down her cheek. ¡°Will you¡­ still love Mattie and me if you have your own kids?¡±  I reached to hug her. I hadn¡¯t considered this response, but I had to be sure to alleviate her fears.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    I grabbed her into a willing hug. ¡°Hanna, I already love you and Mattie no differently than if I¡¯ve always been your dad! That will never change.¡±

    ¡°Promise?¡± she whimpered.

    ¡°That¡¯s a big promise. And I will never break that promise!¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± she said. ¡°You can marry Mom.¡± She pulled back, now much happier. ¡°Can I call you Dad?¡±

    ¡°Nothing would make me happier! Just wait until your mom agrees to marry me so we don¡¯t spoil the surprise.¡±

    We shared lots of smiles and hugs.

    ¡°So, girls, I want to make tonight really special for your mom. Will you help me?¡±

    ¡°You bet!¡± Hanna answered. ¡°Me too!¡± Mattie chimed in.

    I laid out the plans for the day and made them both promise not to say anything to their mom about getting married. I wanted to surprise Laura, so I bribed the girls with a special gift later if they didn¡¯t tell. I wasn¡¯t worried about Hanna, but Mattie was still a little young to exhibit much restraint or self-control. I hoped for the best.

    That afternoon Hanna and I set up the formal dining room with a romantic setting. Mattie helped by cleaning up her toys. She was a hard little worker. I had picked up some inch and a half thick New York strip steaks, some big Idaho potatoes, and some fresh corn that was just coming into season. I may not be much of a cook, but I could really handle a grill and my steaks would be perfect. Baked potato with all the fixings and corn on the cob rounded out the meal. All of it was easy and tough to mess up. I asked Mattie and Hanna if they preferred hamburgers, but they assured me they were steak kind of girls.

    Hanna took charge of making a salad and prepared it like a pro. A great bottle of merlot, virgin strawberry daiquiris for the girls, and we were ready for the timed arrival. I lit candles, closed the curtains for atmosphere, reviewed the place settings, and tried to quiet the butterflies in my stomach. I hoped I could make it through dinner before I popped the question.

    The girls were getting dressed up in their Sunday best. As they strolled down the stairs looking gorgeous, I took the steaks out to rest. It was about five minutes until Laura was due to walk in the door. I was pacing trying to calm down my nerves. Hanna was at the door ready to do her assigned part. Mattie was already in her chair with her tablet to keep her occupied.

    We saw Sarah¡¯s car pull in. There were a few moments of conversation, a hug, and Laura emerged from the car. We were ready. The timing was perfect.

    The door opened, and a surprised Laura was greeted by Hanna looking beautiful and composed. Before Laura could say anything, Hanna greeted her.

    ¡°Mrs. Wilson! We¡¯re glad you¡¯re here. Your reserved table is ready, and the rest of your party is already seated.¡± She led Laura into the dining room.

    I stood to greet her with a hug and a smooch. Mattie shouted out ¡°Hi Mommy,¡± without looking up from her game. The distraction worked.

    Laura was beaming. ¡°What¡¯s all this?¡± she asked with a huge smile.

    ¡°The girls and I were having a great time and we were talking about their wonderful mommy and wanted to do something together that would be special.¡±

    ¡°This really is special! Thank you all!¡±

    Hanna and I said ¡°You¡¯re welcome¡± while Mattie thankfully continued to play.

    Hanna seemed so adult. She insisted on serving the food and she did great. I poured the wine and strawberry drinks for the girls. Ice water was already at each place. I said a prayer and we dug into a wonderful meal.

    I could tell Laura wanted to get the girls talking about their day, but Hanna and I kept her busy with questions about her time with Sarah. Laura was beaming. I imagine she sensed more was happening than what meets the eye, but she just basked in each moment. When we finished, Hanna and I cleared the table and brought out plates of New York cheesecake, one of Laura¡¯s favorites.

    I couldn¡¯t wait any longer.

    ¡°Laura, the girls and I had a great time today. We had a chance to talk about something important that I wanted their opinion on. So, with their approval...¡± I went to one knee by her side and revealed the ring box ¡°...Laura, will you put up with me for a lifetime and be my wife?¡± Hanna was crying with a huge smile. Mattie, who kept the secret perfectly, was gingerly bouncing in her chair with a huge grin. My tears flowed.

    Laura barely hesitated. She fell on her knees next to me with a magnificent smile and tears starting cascading down her cheeks. She grabbed me into a bear hug and shouted ¡°Oh, God! Yes, yes, yes, yes!¡± Each yes was sealed with a touch of our lips.

    Hanna joined the hug and Mattie came over to us so she wasn¡¯t left out. Laura¡¯s and my lips were locked in joy, and Hanna exclaimed, ¡°Good job, Dad!¡±

    Hearing that, Laura pulled back, looked at us both smiling brightly with a glowing in her face and sparkles in her eyes.

    ¡°Yeah, good job Daddy!¡± Mattie shouted. ¡°Yay! Mr. Ben is our daddy now!¡±

    Laura pulled her into our hug and said, ¡°You bet he is, baby!¡±

    Laura suddenly realized she hadn¡¯t even looked at the ring. She reached for it to slip it on and her jaw dropped. ¡°Oh my God, Ben! This must have cost a fortune!¡±

    The ring was a solitaire 1.6-carat diamond set in a white gold mount. She was right, it wasn¡¯t an inexpensive mall variety ring even after the nice discount my friend gave me. I would have spent less on a new car.

    ¡°How much did this cost you?¡± she asked even as she realized the question was a bit out of order.

    ¡°I had a nest egg I was saving for something I¡¯ve always wanted. But when I thought of you, of the lifetime of happiness and joy I know we¡¯ll share, I wanted you to know without a doubt that you and our family will always be my only real treasure.¡± Her lips crushed into mine with pure passion and love. I think she understood.

    We helped each other up to sit back down, but she chose my lap rather than her chair.

    ¡°I have a few more gifts!¡± I announced. ¡°Girls, can you come over here?¡± Hanna and Mattie moved quickly and stood in front of us like soldiers awaiting their command.

    I handed them each a wrapped box and asked them to open them together. Hanna was first to open the little jewelry box. She opened it with a gasp as Mattie was now catching up to see her identical gifts. Each was a golden heart pendant. On the back, Hanna¡¯s had this inscription: ¡°Hanna, thank you for sharing your mom. Daddy loves you!¡± Mattie¡¯s had the same with her name.

    Laura held me tighter and she kissed me. ¡°Ben, how¡¯d I get so blessed? You think of everything!¡±

    I looked her in the eyes. ¡°You are the greatest blessing I could ever hope for. I don¡¯t know why God led an undeserving guy like me into your arms, but I intend to thank Him every day and show you the girls that His plan is a good one. My love for you is greater than I ever thought I was capable of. The same is true of my love for Hanna and Mattie.¡±

    Our lips met. Hanna had to add, ¡°Are you guys gonna keep doing that all day?¡±

    ¡°I EXTREEEMELY love your mother, Hanna! So, yes. We may do that all day!¡±

    Laura laughed.

    ¡°I¡¯m good with that!¡± Hanna added.

    I whispered in Laura¡¯s ear, ¡°And I very, very, EXTREEEMELY still like you too!¡±

 Chapter 20. Telling the Rest of the Family

    Laura and I agreed that we wanted to tell the families that coming weekend at the Fourth of July picnic. My parents were coming with my youngest sister. Laura¡¯s mom and dad would be there as well as Sarah and Bobby.

    We also agreed that we wanted the wedding to be in about a month from then. Early August would be best so we could fit in a honeymoon before Laura headed back to work for the next school year. With the heads of both families there that weekend, we should be able to find a date that matched everyone¡¯s schedule.

    A thought crossed my mind. My parents and youngest sister would be here. The plan for a surprise for Laura erupted in my brain. I would need my family¡¯s help in a big way. I was determined to launch the plan when I could get my family alone during their visit.

    Everyone arrived at about two in the afternoon on Saturday. Hot dogs, burgers, salads of all kinds, corn on the cob, soda (a rare treat for Hanna and Mattie) and beer (a not-so-rare treat for the adults) were all staged and ready as folks gathered on Laura¡¯s back patio.

    Mom and Dad knew something was up since the picnic wasn¡¯t at my house, but instead at my lovely neighbors. I introduced them to Laura, and they took to each other immediately. Sarah knew my mom pretty well and gave her a glowing report about Laura without spilling the beans. Laura kept her ring in her pocket to avoid stealing thunder from the moment to come.

    Laura¡¯s parents, John and Helen, were polite on our meeting, but they looked at me with a critical eye. They suffered with Laura during and after the miserable marriage she was in, so I was expecting heavy scrutiny. Laura warned me beforehand, but I was calm about it. I had nothing to hide, and I really wanted their approval.

    After the greetings and before the news could leak out, I grabbed everyone¡¯s attention and took the floor with Laura at my side.

    ¡°Thanks for coming everyone. I can¡¯t tell you how happy we are that you can all be here.¡±

    Murmurs of returned greeting ensued.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing everyone has figured out that Laura and I are more than just neighbors. We¡¯ve been seeing each other romantically for about a month.¡± My parents beamed. Laura¡¯s parents cautiously grinned with obvious concern.

    I continued. ¡°You may think what I¡¯m going to say comes from wishful thinking, but Laura and I overwhelmingly felt God leading us together. From the first moment we talked we knew something was happening beyond the two of us. So, yes, in a very short amount of time we realized we were deeply in love. Sarah and Bobby can attest to it, and two little girls, who I also fell deeply in love with, will give witness to all that has happened.¡±

    My parents were beaming even more. Mom and my sister both had tears in their eyes. Laura¡¯s dad looked even more concerned, but her mom seemed to soften a bit.

    It was time to forge ahead. ¡°I know you all love us, so I also know you may have concerns about the speed of things that have happened. But you may want to buckle your seat belts!¡±

    Laura had slipped the ring on without anyone noticing. I looked at her giving the nod that it was her turn.

    ¡°This handsome, loving, God-fearing man that loves me and my girls with more depth than I could ever imagine¡­ has asked me to marry him!¡± She paused for effect as we heard gasps of shock, joy, and concern all at once.

    Then, holding up her hand with the ring proudly she announced with a happy squeal, ¡°I said yes!¡±

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    My mom, dad, and sister applauded and came over for hugs. Hanna and Mattie screamed with renewed joy. Sarah and Bobby already knew about us but clapped and joined the hug-fest anyway.

    John and Helen stood back a bit and waited until the hugging broke up. Helen went right to her daughter and embraced her. I heard Helen ask her if she was sure about this.

    Laura responded quickly and with assurance, ¡°More sure than you can imagine, Mom. He¡¯s a wonderful man with me and the girls, and he¡¯s really hot!¡± They both laughed and moved off to talk some more.

    John came right to me with a fatherly stern look and held out his hand. ¡°I guess I can say congratulations, but can we talk a bit before I really mean it?¡± He gave a little grin.

    ¡°I was counting on that, sir!¡± I said.

    ¡°Cut the sir crap and call me John, okay?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely John. Do you mind if we talk over by the grill, so I can get that going? This mob looks hungry!¡±

    ¡°Works for me!¡± he replied.

    ¡°I¡¯ll grab a beer for each of us and meet you there,¡± I offered.

    I was ready to stand before the judge. He had a friendly face but looked like a man of strong will and character.

    He then shocked me a bit. I was afraid his first question was designed to set the tone for the whole conversation.

    ¡°So, tell me, Ben. Are you screwing my daughter?¡± His face lost the friendly component.

    ¡°Would you believe me if I said no?¡± I asked in a way with the hope of setting the tone myself.

    ¡°Are you going to tell me the truth?¡± he pushed back.

    ¡°John, I¡¯ll never lie to you. You have my permission to punch me in the face if you ever catch me in a lie!¡± I smiled at him hoping to lighten the mood a bit before I hit him with the rest of my response. ¡°But don¡¯t... ever... talk like that again about Laura or me!¡± I stared intently as he was taken aback at my candor and intensity. He knew he pushed the wrong button.

    I continued. ¡°Using the term ¡®screw¡¯ or the unfortunately popular ¡®F¡¯ word carries an implication that pisses me off. To me, you¡¯ve asked if I¡¯m using your daughter to get off. I will never ¡®use¡¯ Laura. When we¡¯re together, we will want to please each other because we love each other. When we make love, it will not be screwing or, you know, ¡®Effing¡¯ each other! We will be making love! No matter how gently, or how frantically passionate, it will be making love. And to answer your question ¡­ no, we have not made love yet. That will be saved for our wedding night!¡±

    My point was made and received. He lightened up considerably.

    ¡°Ben, I¡¯m sorry it came out like that! That¡¯s the over-protective father in me coming out with a lot of pent-up anger. I¡¯m sure you know Laura¡¯s past¡­ her marriage and all. As much as that tore her up, it destroyed her mother and me. I don¡¯t know how to protect her from getting hurt again, and that frustrates the hell out of me!¡±

    ¡°I understand completely. I should also take this opportunity to ask your forgiveness since I didn¡¯t come to you to ask for your daughter¡¯s hand. There just wasn¡¯t time with how fast things went.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. It¡¯s difficult to go through such traditions when we live so far away. That doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t be looking into you and raising lots of questions.¡±

    ¡°John, you and I are okay. We want the same things for Laura. I treasure her more than you can imagine! Well, maybe not more than you as her dad can imagine,¡± I said with a genuine smile. ¡°There won¡¯t be a moment for the rest of my life that I will take her for granted. I love her in the truest sense¡ªher life, her feelings, her wellbeing, everything about her. And I feel the same for Hanna and Mattie as well. The three of them are more important to me than my own life.¡±

    John looked a little emotional and I sensed he now knew me and trusted my intentions. I thought I¡¯d lighten things just a bit. With a huge smile, I put my hands on his shoulder and said, ¡°So there¡¯ll be no screwing around here!¡±

    He laughed. ¡°Okay. I believe you! But a part of me was looking forward to punching you in the face!¡± He put his hand on top of mine on his shoulder and smiled. I liked this guy, and I knew we were going to get along.

    By that time, my dad had joined the conversation and was very supportive while raising a few concerns of his own. John and I continued to talk openly and frankly. He still didn¡¯t really know me although he was starting to understand me. He made it clear that I didn¡¯t deserve his daughter, and I agreed with him. He laughed and admitted he didn¡¯t think any man deserved her. I agreed again.

    He voiced his concerns about the speed of the courtship but seemed to be more comfortable with it as we talked. I opened myself up for his full evaluation and scrutiny, and just as the burgers were done cooking, he held his hand out again. As I shook it he said, ¡°Okay, this time I mean it. It seems way too quick for me, but congratulations. And welcome to the family!¡± He pulled me into a manly hug.

    ¡°Thanks, John. You have no idea how much that means to me.¡±

    ¡°Just take care of my little girl, or they¡¯ll never find your body!¡± he said kiddingly¡­ I hoped.

    ¡°Ben, how are the girls taking all this?¡± he asked.

    ¡°As I said, I would have asked for your permission but didn¡¯t think I¡¯d have the chance soon enough. So, I asked for their permission to marry their mom and they were ecstatic. Hanna, Mattie and I have become very close. They actually call me Dad already.¡±

    ¡°Kids are a great judge of character!¡± he added. ¡°You seem like the real deal, Ben Hawkins. My daughter deserves the right kind of man in her life. I¡¯ve only known you for about an hour, but I¡¯m feelin¡¯ good about this!¡± He wandered off to where all the women gathered along with poor Bobby who was feeling a bit ignored. As John walked away he was nodding his head in approval, sporting a smile. My dad gave me a hug and a big smile as we joined the party.

    My world just kept getting better.

    The families agreed that the first and second Saturdays in August were both good. My parents were staying at my house that night to do the three-hour drive tomorrow. I shared my surprise plan for Laura with my parents and sister. I needed them to be sure most of my family, if not all, could be at the wedding.

    Mom got ahold of everyone in my family that night and filled them in on the happy news. By some miracle, all were available for either week in August. All agreed to help with the surprise I had in mind.

 Chapter 21. How Much to Forgive?

    My parents stayed in the master suite for the night while my sister and I each used one of my guest rooms. I couldn¡¯t sleep from the excitement. Laura had no idea what I was planning. I just hoped she¡¯d like it.

    Sunday morning, we all got up in time for the breakfast my mom and Laura whipped up before we left for worship service. It was great having Mom, Dad, and my sister with me. They hadn¡¯t been to my church in a while and they seemed to like it, although my dad complained about the volume of the praise band. ¡°Can¡¯t hear myself sing,¡± he bellowed. I told him that God was the audience for his singing, not himself. He harrumphed but smiled.

    Laura had reported over breakfast that her family was available both weekends too. So, the church¡¯s availability was the only remaining hurdle. After the service, Laura and I set a time to meet with the pastor the next day to nail things down and get our mandatory pre-marriage counseling.

    All the regular crew plus my family had a great time at the restaurant after church. My parents and sister took off for home right from the restaurant, and Bobby and Sarah came over for their weekly visit. Sarah and Laura were at the kitchen table making a list of tasks and ideas to pull this wedding off so quickly. Bobby and I played with Hanna and Mattie and managed to keep our distance from the wedding scheming.

    I noticed Laura and Sarah had put away their tablets and were just talking. It didn¡¯t look like a happy conversation, so I admit I was a little worried. Then Laura called me over to join them.

    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± I asked as I sat at the table. ¡°You two don¡¯t look happy.¡±

    Laura responded, ¡°No, we¡¯re happy. It¡¯s just¡­ well¡­ Sarah has a request from a friend that she needs to ask you about.¡±

    ¡°Okay. What¡¯s up?¡± Sarah looked worried, so I held her hand to ease her tension.

    ¡°Megan would like to meet with you tonight,¡± she hesitantly blurted out.

    I fought the shock of the moment, but I had been feeling the need to get some closure. I guess Megan felt the same way. I had forgiven Megan in my heart, but others were involved now so I wouldn¡¯t decide this myself.

    I looked at Laura. ¡°Is that all right with you?¡±

    ¡°If it helps you both wrap up things, I¡¯m okay with it. I¡¯m just worried about you.¡±

    I looked at Sarah and said, ¡°Man, I love this woman!¡± They both smiled, and each gave me a peck on the cheek.

    I continued. ¡°You both know I¡¯ll always care about her. I can¡¯t make that go away and I don¡¯t think any of us want it to go away. I¡¯ve forgiven her. I had to for her sake and mine. I¡¯ll never forget what she did, and I could never be involved with her romantically, but I¡¯ll always love her the same as I would any friend.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s coming in an hour if I call her and give her the go-ahead,¡± Sarah noted. ¡°Do you want to meet her at your place?¡±

    ¡°That works for me. But I don¡¯t want to meet with her alone. Laura and I will not keep secrets. And even if Megan was my wife once, my full commitment is to Laura and I won¡¯t meet alone with any other woman. Sarah, I¡¯d like you there for Megan and Laura, too. Can Bobby stay with the girls?¡±

    Bobby was listening in and yelled, ¡°I¡¯d love to!¡±

    ¡°Okay, everybody?¡± I asked. Laura and Sarah nodded yes. ¡°Then please call her, Sarah.¡±

    About an hour later, Megan¡¯s car pulled into my driveway. Sarah went to greet her and bring her around to my patio.

    ¡°Hi, Ben,¡± Megan said rather weakly.

    I wasn¡¯t sure how I would greet her but went with my instincts and gave her a restrained hug. I felt her breathe a sigh of relief.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you, Megan. You¡¯re looking well,¡± I lied. She looked somehow much older and worn down.

    ¡°Megan, I want you to meet my fianc¨¦e, Laura Wilson.¡±

    Laura gave Megan a warm hug and a friendly smile. ¡°I think we met in the driveway once, but it¡¯s good to see you!¡± I hoped that Laura was as comfortable as she appeared.

    ¡°Yes. I remember. It¡¯s good to see you again, Laura. And, congratulations! I know this is a little weird, but I really mean it when I say you¡¯re getting a damn good guy.¡±

    Laura, not quite sure how to respond to that, just said, ¡°Thanks.¡±

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    I was anxious to get the conversation going ¡°Let¡¯s take a seat and get comfortable. Laura and Sarah made some fresh lemonade to enjoy while we chat.¡± We sat around a small round table with Megan directly across from me, Laura on my right, and Sarah on my left.

    Megan started to open up as to why she wanted to see me. Her tension was obvious as she wanted to clear up the lies of her past.

    I was troubled on many levels about the things she unloaded. She started by saying that she was living in lies the whole time she knew me. The rumors in high school about her were true. She was promiscuous to the extreme. I thought back to all the fights I had defending her honor, and I learned that I was in the wrong. She admitted that she held onto me like a security blanket. I was the kind of guy she wanted, but she couldn¡¯t fight the girl within her that wanted the bad boys. It somehow fed a need she couldn¡¯t describe.

    Now I knew for sure why she seemed to know what to do in bed on our wedding night. I was the only virgin that night by a long shot.

    She also said that Michael (I finally learned his name) wasn¡¯t her only lover in college. She said she didn¡¯t even know why she was drawn to him. She admitted she moved in with him when she left.

    ¡°Sorry I lied about that on that night,¡± she added. ¡°I stupidly thought it was making it easier for you, but I really didn¡¯t want you to know what I am. So¡­ I was really trying to make it easier for me, I guess.¡±

    She went on to tell us he made her leave about six months after she went to live with him. He treated her terribly, then told her he got what he wanted from her and she needed to take off. Then she did go stay with her sister and was still there.

    My anger about this guy burned within. I had a strong desire to hurt him badly.

    ¡°Did you know about all this stuff with Michael?¡± I asked Sarah.

    ¡°For the most part, yes. Megan didn¡¯t want you to know because¡­ well¡­ she felt ashamed. But frankly, I didn¡¯t want you to know yet either because I care about you!¡±

    ¡°You were probably right to keep that to yourself, Sarah.¡±

    Megan continued by telling us that her sister, who was a Christian, got her in touch with a counselor and support group. Megan found a new job but soon needed to move out of her sister¡¯s place. So, she was not sure where she was going to live. Her finances were a wreck, but she saw a light at the end of the tunnel.

    Then she looked at me with a pitiful hurt in her eyes. ¡°Ben, the counseling has really helped me. I¡¯m turning my life in the direction it should have always been.¡±

    Her tears started to flow. I knew what was coming.

    She continued. ¡°I¡¯ve asked forgiveness of everyone except the one I hurt the most.¡± She was openly sobbing now. ¡°Ben, I screwed up the best thing that ever happened to me and hurt the guy that deserved so much better.¡± She had lost control as Sarah and Laura moved to comfort her.

    A few moments passed as she gathered herself before continuing. ¡°I know we¡¯re done, Ben. Sarah has told me how happy you and Laura are, and how her two little girls have already made you their dad. I can see your love for each other from a mile away. So, don¡¯t ever think I want to screw that up.¡±

    She needed a few more moments. ¡°Ben, I¡¯m asking for something you don¡¯t owe me, but I need to ask anyway. Can you ever¡­ can you forgive me?

    She lost it completely. Laura nodded at me to go to Megan. I moved over to her, knelt next to her chair, and embraced her. I let her cry it out a little, and when I thought she could listen I gave her my answer.

    ¡°Megan, I forgave you in my heart a long time ago. It took a lot of prayer to get me to that point, but I honestly have forgiven you. I pray for you every night that you will be blessed to know healing from whatever caused your actions, and that you would find happiness. God has blessed me by bringing Laura into my life. I want the same thing to happen for you. Consider this, though. You have the forgiveness of all of us around you. Megan, please¡­ you¡¯ve got to forgive yourself. It¡¯s in the past and you need to let it go too!¡±

    Laura was hugging me from behind. Sarah was next to Megan as she cried herself out.

    Finally, Megan was able to respond. ¡°You really are a good guy, Ben. If I hadn¡¯t been so stupid and mixed up, I would have known just how good you are.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all in the past now, Megan. Let¡¯s all just look forward.¡±

    Megan looked at Laura. ¡°Be good to him. He¡¯s worth it.¡±

    ¡°I know he is, and he proves it every moment.¡±

    We sat that way for a few more moments. Then Megan said, ¡°I probably should go.¡±

    ¡°Megan,¡± I said. ¡°Please stay a little while to calm down a bit. Take a few minutes and talk with Sarah. I need to talk with Laura, but we¡¯ll be back.¡±

    She thanked me, and Laura followed me into my house. I didn¡¯t know if she would agree with an idea that came across my brain, but I had a sense she would.

    The night after our engagement, I opened my whole life to Laura, including my finances. Since going out on my own, my income had more than tripled with even more promising opportunities in the works. I wasn¡¯t rich, but we were going to do well. No one else knew about this until I told Laura. At the same time, Laura told me that she did have life insurance on her ex that paid her nearly five hundred thousand, most of which she still had. Financially, we were in good shape.

    ¡°Sweetie, when Megan left she really didn¡¯t ask for much. She thought she was going to live with some rich guy who would take care of her. She doesn¡¯t know how well I¡¯ve done since she left.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not talking about giving her money?¡± she asked. ¡°I think she would be insulted and it may even hinder her progress towards recovery.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± I answered. ¡°I think you¡¯re right, but we talked about selling both houses and getting something that all our memories can hold without the more painful ones from the past. Plus, we talked about having enough room if our family grows. And by the way, I¡¯m looking forward to doing the stuff that makes a family grow!¡±

    ¡°You have a one-track mind!¡± she laughed. ¡°Glad I¡¯m on the same track!¡±

    Our smiles met with a kiss.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± I continued, ¡°Megan never put a claim on the house and signed it all over to me. If it¡¯s okay with you, I¡¯d like to fix her short-sighted mistake. I¡¯d like to give her an option of us selling it and giving her the half she could have demanded in the divorce, or putting her back as co-owner and paying half the mortgage. She would cover utilities and upkeep. Any major improvements or repairs we¡¯d also split. We¡¯d share and taxes and mortgage. If she decides to sell, we¡¯d split the equity we¡¯ve built.¡±

    Laura nodded in agreement. Another option came to my mind.

    ¡°I just happened to think. We may not want to be in a financial relationship. A third option is to let her live here until she¡¯s ready to move on, pay rent equal to half the mortgage, and then sell it, in effect using the same as option one when she¡¯s ready to move on. What do you think?¡±

    She looked at me with love in her eyes. ¡°I think we should do it and give her all three options. She can let us know any time before the wedding.¡±

    ¡°Have I told you how much I love you?¡±

    ¡°I EXTREEEMELY love you too! You really are a good guy, Ben.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, sweetie. Thank you for believing in me and my motives¡­ and crazy ideas!¡± Our mouths met passionately and with resolve to put our plan in motion.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go talk to her!¡± she said with true excitement. What a woman I¡¯m marrying!

    Megan listened to our offer with surprise, shock, gratitude, tears, and a ton of other emotions. She didn¡¯t see this coming.

    ¡°Ben¡­ Laura! You don¡¯t have to do this!¡± she said. ¡°You don¡¯t owe me this and I really don¡¯t expect it!¡±

    I was glad Laura responded. ¡°Megan, Ben feels you made a mistake in the separation because you were being misled by a real jerk who promised you false security. We don¡¯t feel right benefitting from that. Please accept our offer to correct this!¡±

    Megan hugged Laura with some more tears. Yes, this was an emotional meeting.

    As she gathered herself, she gave her answer. ¡°I can¡¯t believe how kind the two of you are¡­ I don¡¯t deserve this. But thank you so much. I¡¯ll think about it and let you know. I¡¯ll need to know what the costs look like, but my first thought is your second option may work best for me. Ben, can I call you next week to understand the monthly costs? Then I can let you know.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯ll put together a spreadsheet tomorrow to prepare for when we talk numbers.¡±

    ¡°You two are too much,¡± she added. Her face changed to a look of concern. ¡°I just thought, this means we would be next-door neighbors for a little while. Ben, is that okay with you?¡±

    ¡°Megan, I don¡¯t know how long it will be until we sell, but yes¡­ Laura and I are okay with it. As we¡¯ve said, forgiveness is now behind us. We both still care about you and want what¡¯s best for you. It may even help to have us here while you get settled, so don¡¯t let that worry you. Okay?¡±

    She hugged us both in a three-way embrace and said her goodbyes.

 Chapter 22. Pre-wedding Plans

    It was time to get busy putting all our wedding plans and life directions together.

    Monday afternoon, we met with Pastor Browning. The premarital counseling went quickly. He knew where we stood on key issues and that our focus was on God first and each other second.

    We settled on the second Saturday in August and agreed to use the small chapel that was the original church building before expansions created the current 1,000 seat sanctuary. The chapel held about 120 people and that would be perfect. The smaller of the two fellowship halls would fit our needs for the reception with room to spare. Pastor Browning put us in touch with the kitchen crew. We were having cold cuts, salads, corn on the cob, and lots of home-style sides and desserts. We were allowed to have beer and wine, which we decided to take advantage of. Laura would work out the details with the ladies that ran the kitchen and order the food. It was all in motion.

    I booked a block of rooms at the Comfort Inn for my family including several cousins, aunts, and uncles I knew would want to attend, and four rooms for remote members of Laura¡¯s family. The hotel was only a few blocks from the church and mostly served business travelers, so I got a great price for Friday and Saturday nights. I took care of the cost for my direct family since they were doing a massive favor for me to surprise Laura. Plus, normally they¡¯d stay at my house, but it was getting prepared for Megan¡¯s move.

    I didn¡¯t expect the crowd that we now anticipated at the wedding, but I was happy about it. We invited 128 people. With the short notice and several unable to attend, the responses came back for 102. I knew some church members and Laura¡¯s co-workers planned to attend the service, and we made sure to welcome them to the reception as well. We planned food for 160 people figuring any leftovers would travel well with family.Stolen novel; please report.

    We specifically asked for no gifts, and there was no bridal shower, but we knew some folks couldn¡¯t help themselves. We were happy with their attendance and maybe a card, but we weren¡¯t a new household and didn¡¯t really need anything. A few thoughtful people offered to bring little gifts for the girls to make them feel special, and that was really sweet.

    Megan, Laura and I met. We went over the numbers I had gathered, and she decided to share the ownership with the terms we¡¯d discussed. I had my lawyer draft an agreement and the three of us signed it several days later. Megan would move in while we were on our honeymoon. I told her all the furniture and kitchen supplies would stay since Laura and I didn¡¯t need them. She cried and hugged again in gratitude. I must admit that it felt good to help put her in a position where her life could move forward in the right direction.

    Laura and I never had a chance to put our pre-marriage sex guidelines to the test. As busy as we were and realizing we were only weeks, then days away from the close contact we craved, we decided to avoid anything beyond the heavy make-out sessions. And there was a lot of making out! I did give her several massages to keep her relaxed and calm during the frantic preparations. Rubbing her back under her top and massaging her feet, calves, and thighs tested my resolve, but I passed the test.

    Laura, Sarah, Hanna, and Mattie spent a day shopping for their wedding outfits. They didn¡¯t need to be the same, just complement each other. No gowns, just comfortable dresses one would wear to an upscale party. Laura wasn¡¯t getting a wedding gown either but was going to wear white. I wouldn¡¯t see it, of course, until the big day.

    The guys were told just to wear a comfortable suit or tie and sport coat. I bought a new suit, but I needed one anyway.

    Plans were coming together.

    Then, we had our first trial as a couple.

 Chapter 23. Frightening Hide and Seek

    Laura wanted to pick up some clothes for our honeymoon. The weekend before the wedding, we all piled into Laura¡¯s car to go to the mall. It wasn¡¯t my favorite destination, but I was with my girls.

    We went to several shops and she wasn¡¯t finding what she wanted. Finally, there was a store that held promise.

    Laura was trying on several outfits and coming out from the dressing room for my approval. I watched the girls and we formed a voting team for each pairing Laura modeled. She went back to change into one more. As she did, I got a text from a client and quickly responded. I finished just before she came out ready for the fashion show. She started to model, then looked around with a startled face.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Mattie?¡±

    I panicked. ¡°She was right here!¡±

    The three of us started frantically looking around the store calling for her. After a few minutes of failing to locate her, Laura looked at me with panic and something else I¡¯d never seen in her. Overflowing anger!

    ¡°Ben! I needed you to watch them for five damn minutes! What the hell were you doing?¡±

    I was crushed. Not just because we couldn¡¯t find Mattie, but Laura was justifiably angry and I was the target!

    She was looking around frantically. She took charge.

    ¡°Ben! Go look in the mall! I¡¯ll look in here!¡±

    I ran out and started looking. I was a mess, but I focused on finding her. I had to find her. My mind was flooded horrible thoughts about what could happen to her. If anything did happen, how could I ever look Laura in the face? I was too panicked for tears to form. Adrenaline surged through my body. I prayed almost subconsciously while still aware of my every petition.

    I looked in every direction. The mall wasn¡¯t crowded so my vision was clear. I saw no evidence of anyone Mattie¡¯s size. I ran in the direction I felt she¡¯d most likely go. I saw no hidden corridors. There¡¯s a toy store. I¡¯ll go in there¡ªmaybe she wandered in.

    As I quickly scanned the toy store my phone rang. It was Laura¡¯s number. I answered with the question on my heart. ¡°Did you find her?¡±

    ¡°Dad?¡±

    It was Hanna. Why didn¡¯t Laura want to talk to me?

    ¡°Dad¡­ you there?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sweetie. Did you find Mattie?¡± Oh please God, let her be found!

    .

    ¡°Yeah, we found her. Mom wants you to come back to the store to the bench outside. Okay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right there, sweetie!¡±

    I walked back quickly, but the hurt I felt was consuming me. I tried to put it in perspective, to heal myself before I faced Laura. She was a tigress whose cub was in mortal danger. Her claws came out against every threat¡ªevery cause. I was the only cause available. And I blew my assignment. I earned her wrath.

    I got to the bench as they came out of the store. Mattie was wailing harder than I had ever seen. Laura was stern and relieved, but evidence of tears streaked her face. Hanna was softly weeping¡ªnot from direct cause, but from the drama and emotion around her.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Laura was still focused on Mattie as I walked up to them.

    ¡°Alright, Mattie. It¡¯s over. Sit here with Daddy and Hanna while I go finish in the store.¡± She still had the store''s clothes on and she needed to change and pay for her purchases. Before she went back in, she turned to me and hugged me.

    ¡°Ben, I¡¯m sorry about how I talked to you. Let me take care of this and I¡¯ll be right back.¡±

    Hanna was hugging Mattie to calm her down. I sat and pulled them both into me.

    Mattie started to calm down, and Hanna told me what happened.

    ¡°Mattie was hiding¡ªlike hide and seek. She hid under the middle of that big round rack of dresses that were right next to us. I finally saw her shoes when we were looking.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Mattie whimpered.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you answer when we called?¡±

    ¡°I was hiding! It was hide and seek!¡± She started to cry a little again.

    ¡°Oh, sweetie! When you play hide and seek, the people you¡¯re playing it with need to know it¡¯s hide and seek!¡± She cried into my shoulder.

    I was still shaking. The panic was passed, but the adrenaline still was having its effect. And I was hurt¡­ deeply hurt. I rationalized everything that happened and all Laura went through. But that look on her face and harsh words¡­ at the time I felt I earned them and based on the facts, or lack thereof, she thought the same. But how I was feeling wouldn¡¯t go away. All the happiness and joy of the past few months felt threatened. I was a weak thread away from losing it all. Mattie was okay. She would learn from this. But at that moment I couldn¡¯t get past all the horrible consequences that could have resulted from my moment of distraction. Everything around me seemed frail, fragile.

    Laura exited the store and hugged the two girls. Mattie cried a little. ¡°Sorry, Mommy! I¡¯m really sorry!¡±

    ¡°Okay baby. We¡¯ll talk more later, but everything is okay.¡±

    Laura stood and looked at me as I got up from the bench. She saw my eyes. I was too transparent. She moved quickly to embrace me.

    ¡°Ben! I¡¯m so sorry. You didn¡¯t deserve that!¡±

    I felt her softly sobbing into my shoulder and my eyes were quickly filling.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± I lied. ¡°Why don¡¯t we skip going out to a restaurant and just head home for some sandwiches?¡±

    She pulled back to look at me. She knew I lied. She could see the hurt and I thought she was going to burst into tears. But she pulled herself together with a glance at the girls. I could read her. We desperately needed to talk our way through this. But not here¡­ and not in front of the girls.

    As we drove home the car was silent. Laura held my hand. I could feel her looking at me as I pretended the road was my only focus. She knew she hurt me with just a few, angry words. I still didn¡¯t blame her¡­ but that didn¡¯t lessen the sting. I had never seen that look in her eyes before. It scared me! I never wanted to deserve that look. I hoped to never see it again.

    While driving it occurred to me that this was the first time we faced a real issue. Thank God it was quickly resolved with no disaster. Everything was okay. But there were consequences. I felt anger from Laura. It was hard at that moment, but I was convinced we would be stronger once we worked it out. We loved each other. This tested us, but we would be stronger in the end. I wanted us to get to that point quickly!

    Dinner was a little quiet. It was Laura¡¯s turn for the blessing and her prayers had a specific focus of thanks, protection, healing, and forgiveness. I knew she was worried about me, but it wasn¡¯t time yet to work through it.

    After dinner, the girls watched a Disney movie. That always held their attention. Laura and I retreated to our favorite chair in the living room and took our place with her sitting across the arm on my lap. She immediately plopped her face into my shoulder and cried. As usual, I joined her.

    Once calm enough, she spoke. ¡°How do I take that back? How can I un-say those awful words? You didn¡¯t deserve that!¡±

    ¡°Laura, I love you so much. And, yes¡­ that hurt¡­ it hurt a lot¡­ and I¡¯m still feeling it.¡±

    Her face twisted up with a pained look and tears started streaming. ¡°Oh, Ben! I¡¯m so, so sorry. It hurts me knowing what I did to you. I love you and never wanted to hurt you like that. Can we get past that? Can you forgive me?¡±

    She was starting to lose control or her weeping and wanted to bury her face into me, but she willed herself to keep her eyes on me, begging for my answer.

    ¡°Of course I forgive you!¡±

    She drove her head into my shoulder and let loose as I continued.

    ¡°I forgave you immediately. I understood the situation. We were both scared out of our minds. I¡¯m sure images of things that could have happened to Mattie were flooding your thoughts as they were mine. All you saw before you was the truth. Mattie was missing. I appeared clueless when she was under my watch. In your immediate reaction, you saw me as the problem¡ªit was my fault. I felt the same. I deserved it at that moment.¡±

    ¡°You weren¡¯t at fault at all! Mattie waited until you and Hanna weren¡¯t looking, and slipped under the dress rack right next to you to play hide-and-seek. The same would have happened no matter who was watching her!¡±

    ¡°I know. And I know it wasn¡¯t my fault. And I don¡¯t blame you for your reactions. Although, that look you gave me scared the hell out of me!¡±

    I laughed, and she was able to join me a little as tears subsided.

    ¡°Look, we¡¯ve had a perfect courtship, probably because it has been so short. This was the first bump we¡¯ve ever faced. But we are human. I don¡¯t know about you, but I¡¯m not perfect¡­ so we will have bumps!¡±

    ¡°I think today I proved to be less than perfect!¡± She was still emotional, but her mood was lightening.

    ¡°Listen¡­ I know I say you are perfect a lot. I¡¯m smart enough to know that¡¯s not possible. But I do mean that you¡¯re perfect to me and for me. I mean that with all my heart.¡±

    ¡°I love you, Ben. But you¡¯re still hurting a bit ¨C aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I can¡¯t recover that quickly from those intense emotions. But after the girls go to bed, if we can sit right here and just be together, I¡¯ll be more than okay!¡±

    Our lips met with the first relaxed smile of the evening.

    ¡°It¡¯s a shame, though.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± she asked.

    ¡°We are only a week or so from awesome make-up sex!¡±

    Yes, she hit me. Yes, I loved it. Yes, we made out as much as we were comfortable with having two little girls just around the corner.

    This was our first real test. We were going to be just fine tonight, and we knew future tests would be met head-on and resolved. So, yes, we grew closer on yet another dimension.

 Chapter 24. Family Rehearsal

    The day before the wedding finally arrived. I held a clandestine meeting with my family at noon to prepare for Laura¡¯s surprise. We cleaned up evidence of our preparation in time for the wedding rehearsal.

    The rehearsal was great. Pastor Browning was a lot of fun and kept things light. There wasn¡¯t going to be a lot of pomp and circumstance, so the rehearsal went quickly. Laura had two attendants. Hanna was her maid of honor. She was grinning from ear to ear the whole time and was made to feel very special. After all, she was really, really special. Sarah was her matron of honor and was thrilled to be considered such a close friend after knowing Laura for only a few months. Mattie was the flower girl and would stand next to Hanna during the ceremony. She behaved as good as a girl twice her age and was intently focused on doing things just right. Dang, she was cute.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    Bobby and my brother Dan were my co-best men. Dan was the brother closest to my age and was my best friend growing up. We didn¡¯t get to see each other often, but the bond was always there. Bobby had charge of the rings because Dan needed to take part in the surprise I had planned.

    After the rehearsal, I hosted a dinner for the wedding party at our favorite Chinese restaurant. We also invited other family members that arrived from out of town. Fifty-three of us had great food, lots of warm and loving toasts, even more humorous toasts meant to embarrass either Laura or me, and lots of good conversation. Everyone in my family had been warned to keep the family secret so we wouldn¡¯t spoil Laura¡¯s surprise, and everyone behaved.

    We parted at about 10:30 and hoped for sound sleep. I was too excited to even close my eyes. I couldn¡¯t wait for Laura to become Mrs. Hawkins.

 Chapter 25. Wedding Day

    Finally, it was the day of our wedding!

    The ceremony was at 11:30 AM. Sarah and Bobby picked me up and I was at the church by 10:30. I had to make sure everything was in place, then went to join the pastor in his study to prepare to enter from the side doors at the front of the church along with my best men. Laura¡¯s mom was in charge of the get-ready room for the bride and her attendants. I heard she got to the church not long after I did.

    As people arrived, the first part of the surprise unfolded. In the rehearsal, we used recorded music for everything. What Laura didn¡¯t know was that my family used to be a traveling music group. My dad played guitar for staff orchestras in recording studios. He was very professional. As a kid, I would sit and listen to him play for hours. The rest of my family all played multiple instruments, and all sang. For this morning, they would all provide pre-service music, the processional, recessional, and a special piece. Dad was on guitar, Mom at piano, Jane, my youngest sister, either played violin or country steel guitar. My brother Ron played drums. Sisters Ruth and Mary usually alternated between guitar, mandolin, and violin, but Ruth had to cover upright bass for my brother, Dan, who was in the wedding party.

    The time had come. It was 10:30, and the Pastor, Bobby, Dan, and I entered from the side and took our places. My family started playing the processional¡ªBach¡¯s ¡°Jesu, Joy of Man¡¯s Desiring¡± with just Dad playing the guitar. Sarah looked radiant as she strolled slowly to the front of the sanctuary in a beautiful, light blue evening dress.

    Then I watched Hanna come into the doorway. Her long hair was styled with most of it flowing but with a group from each side braided, traveling up to the top of her head, and then gathered behind her making the shape of a heart. She beamed as she started the wedding party walk in her medium blue dress. My God, she looked so grown up and beautiful. I could see so much of Laura in her smile. Gasps were heard as she strolled the carpet. Everyone was taken by her beauty. And, yes, I had a tear escape. And the butterflies inside went wild.

    Then Mattie appeared in a similar dress to Hanna¡¯s but in a more age-appropriate fashion. She had her hair in a ponytail and was as cute as could be. Her walk up the aisle was a little quicker than expected, and she had to shout out ¡°Hi, Daddy!¡± halfway down her journey. That brought tears and smiles to just about everyone. Me, too!

    Then Dad and my family started the bridal procession with a more forceful verse of ¡°Jesu¡± while adding bass, and violin. And I saw the woman I love more than life itself move into the doorway on her dad¡¯s arm. The congregation stood and turned. Cameras were clicking. My attention was drawn to her as if she was all that existed in the world.

    I had never seen a more beautiful sight.

    Her hair was long and flowing with curls twirling in the front strands falling down her neck and down to her collar bone. She wore a delicate silver vine hairpiece with silver flowers and pearls randomly interspersed. It flowed over the top of her hair starting a little behind her hairline and flowed to the back of her head then down the back mingled in with her long full strands. Her smile radiated as bright as the sun. Her eyes sparked making the stars blush in shame. I burned her image in my brain. I will never forget it.

    My family orchestra caught her attention and I could read her lips as she asked her dad, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Her dad shrugged his shoulders since he didn¡¯t know either, then she turned her attention towards me. Our eyes locked. It was as if invisible lightning bolts of love passed between us. She started to walk towards me and I felt weak-kneed. I focused on my bride and the vows we would make while trying to avoid thoughts of my pending surprise so I didn¡¯t shake apart.

    My eyes were locked on hers as she came forward. I only noticed her dress in my peripheral vision. It was a satin white, softly covering the edge of her shoulders and a little down her arms. The neckline was v-shaped and low cut, modest enough to appropriately cover her breasts and yet extremely sexy. It was plain at the top and showed off the perfect shape of her abdomen and waist. It flowed into soft pleats below her waist and ended just above her knees. It was simple and understated. It was magnificent! The dress let all her natural beauty take the spotlight. I was having trouble breathing. I wanted to run to her and embrace her just to immerse myself in her beauty. I forced myself to hold my ground.

    Her dad brought her to my side and gave me her hand. With a hug for both of us, he took his seat. I never wanted to take my gaze from her eyes. I tried to listen to the pastor¡¯s words, and occasionally forced myself to look at him.

    We exchanged our vows that we wrote and memorized. I went first, just hoping for enough calm to remember what I composed.

    ¡°Laura, we know that God loves us even though we don¡¯t deserve it. I know with every touch, every look, and with every kiss just how much you love me even though I could never deserve you. I promise to love you with every breath and fiber of my being. I promise to honor you, care for you, hold fast to you only, and consider you and your needs above my own no matter what life brings to us¡­ as long as I live.¡±

    I kissed her, and Pastor Browning joked, ¡°You¡¯re jumping the gun there, Ben. I¡¯ll tell you when!¡± Everyone chuckled, and it lightened the mood enough for me to gain some composure. Then it was Laura¡¯s turn.

    ¡°Ben, my life was a mess until I met you. If it wasn¡¯t for my faith, my two girls, and my family, I would have been totally lost. Then you decided to weed your garden, thank God. We really met for the first time, and I saw in you the missing piece of heart and my life. I love you more than life itself. I am committed to showing you that love every day of our lives. I promise to love you, honor you, obey you as God¡¯s appointed head of our household, and give all of myself to you and only you in all circumstances of life for as long as we live.¡±

    ¡°No kissing yet!¡± Pastor Browning said with a smile.

    We exchanged rings vowing that the infinite circle symbolized our unending love, and God¡¯s unending love for us.

    We took a healthy breath as the pastor announced: ¡°Based on the vows you¡¯ve exchanged, the promises you¡¯ve made before God and these people, and by the power vested in me by God and the state of Illinois, I now pronounce you¡­ man¡­ and wife. NOW¡­ you may kiss your bride!¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Oh yes. It was quite a kiss as the congregation cheered and clapped. The sound around us seemed distant, almost as if it came from the other side of a tunnel. I was kissing my wife for the first time and she had all my attention. I felt her love for me through her lips. Her tongue unveiled the passion from within her. This was the first physical act of our heavenly bond and the significance of the moment overwhelmed my senses. I willed the moment not to end, yet it was just the beginning. This launched our life together¡ªour singularity¡ªour oneness. I was in heaven.

    Once the applause died down and we pulled ourselves apart, Pastor Browning made the announcement we had planned. It was time for Laura¡¯s surprise.

    ¡°Normally this is where I introduce the new couple, but first, the groom has a special gift for his bride. As he stepped back, my family started the introduction to a song we planned.

    The first four bars were played just by Dad on guitar and my brother Dan on bass, who joined my family from where he was by my side. It was beautiful and simple. But then the next four bars tugged at everyone¡¯s heart. The steel guitar added beautiful fills while my entire family sang a chorus of ¡°ahhs¡± like an angelic choir.

    Laura figured out my family was talented at the procession. What she didn¡¯t know was, I had always been the lead singer. Not to brag, but I was very good. I¡¯ve been told I sound like Bruno Mars. She had never really heard me sing in church because of the volume of the praise band. She had no idea what was coming.

    I struggled to compose myself. I had learned from singing at weddings and funerals how to control my emotions, but this would be the toughest test I had ever put myself through. She was watching my family play assuming that was the surprise. Then, I started singing the song that fit our lives perfectly¡ªRascal Flatts¡¯ ¡°God Bless the Broken Road.¡±

    ¡°I set out on a narrow way many years ago¡±

    Laura¡¯s attention snapped toward me with wide eyes a beautiful, emotionally crooked smile, and tears flowing. She had no idea this was coming.

    ¡°Hoping I would find true love along the broken road

    But I got lost a time or two

    Wiped my brow and kept pushing through

    I couldn''t see how every sign pointed straight to you¡±

    The music took on a fullness as the family choir joined me in harmony.

    ¡°Every long lost dream led me to where you are

    Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars

    Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

    This much I know is true

    That God blessed the broken road

    That led me straight to you

    The music pulled back a bit and just my sisters sang ¡°Ooo¡¯s¡± in the background in perfect three-part harmony.

    ¡°I think about the years I spent just passing through

    I''d like to have the time I lost and give it back to you

    But you just smile and take my hand

    You''ve been there you understand

    It''s all part of a grander plan that is coming true¡±

    We went back to a big sound and full vocal harmony. My emotions and everyone else¡¯s were being attacked by the beautiful sound and heartfelt sentiment.

    ¡°Every long lost dream led me to where you are

    Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars

    Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

    This much I know is true

    That God blessed the broken road

    That led me straight to you

    Now I''m just rolling home

    Into my lover''s arms

    This much I know is true¡±

    The instruments pulled back. Vocals went back to ¡°Ooo¡¯s.

    That God blessed the broken road

    That led me straight to you

    Now just the guitar, bass, and me.

    That God blessed the broken road

    That led me straight...¡±

    Then I lost it. The music had a pause here waiting for me to sing the last two words. I softly held her and struggled as tears let loose. I took all I had to just look in her eyes and say¡­

    ¡°to you.¡±

    I couldn¡¯t believe how strong my voice was and how I held it together to that point. Laura¡¯s surprise was better than I imagined it would be. I held it together all the way through until the last line. I didn¡¯t plan it this way, but somehow, my losing control for the last two words was perfect. It wrapped the whole surprise in a bow and made it clear to Laura just how much I loved her.

    I kissed her and held her as we couldn¡¯t hold back the emotions. My family orchestra played the ending and Pastor Browning whispered to us, ¡°You two take a moment while I vamp. I¡¯m good at it,¡± he said with a smile.

    The music stopped. The congregation rose up in applause, no one with a dry eye. Thankfully it went on for a while. We needed the time to calm down. As the applause died down and people sat, Pastor Browning filled in the time while we pulled ourselves together.

    ¡°For those of you who weren¡¯t aware, Laura didn¡¯t even know Ben could sing.¡± People responded with mutterings of surprise and delight. ¡°Years ago, we had the Hawkins Family do a concert here, so I remembered them. I didn¡¯t know until a few weeks ago that Ben was one of ¡®those¡¯ Hawkins. He was only a young teenager at that time and I didn¡¯t recognize him. Ben doesn¡¯t know it yet, but he¡¯s going to get serious pressure about joining our choir and praise ministries.¡± The congregation laughed.

    ¡°On a personal note,¡± he added, ¡°I¡¯ve never known two people more ready to be man and wife. This is a family with their hearts focused on their Lord and Creator, and on their enormous love for each other. They also want to share their love with all of you. As you can tell, today has a bit of welcomed informal atmosphere, and with the wedding happening rather quickly after they got engaged, some of you have been invited formally while other invitations were less formal. The fact that you¡¯re here tells Laura and Ben that they mean something to you and, of course, you are loved by them as well. They want to be sure you all know you are welcomed to the reception just down the hall. There¡¯s enough food to feed an army so don¡¯t worry about going hungry.¡±

    He sensed we had ourselves pulled together. He took our shoulders and turned us toward the congregation.

    ¡°So it is my absolute pleasure¡­ to introduce for the first time¡­ Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Hawkins!¡±

    Everyone stood and applauded as we walked down the aisle, stopping to hug Laura¡¯s parents, then making our way out the back. I noticed Megan in the back row, smiling and softly weeping. I¡¯m glad she came, and then hoped she wasn¡¯t upset that I just sang about my relationship with her being a broken road.

    We got through the door to start the reception line and Laura grabbed my face and looked into my eyes from three inches away with a big smile and sparkles in her eyes, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you sing like an angel?¡± She planted a forceful, loving lip-lock on me. ¡°And your family¡­ Oh my!¡±

    ¡°It never came up in our talks,¡± I answered. ¡°Realizing that, I thought it would be a nice little surprise!¡±

    ¡°LITTLE!¡± she play-shouted. ¡°I thought I was going to die on the spot! I was already in heaven!¡±

    ¡°You liked it?¡± I asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll show you how much I liked it later!¡± she said with an impish smile.

    Hanna arrived from the recessional and hugged us both with tears in her eyes. ¡°You okay, sweetie?¡± I asked.

    ¡°Dad, you really sing pretty! You have to do that more!¡±

    Mattie was next and just held her arms out to me and I picked her up as she shouted, ¡°Daddy!¡± I said a prayer of thanks in my head. I not only married the woman of my dreams who loves the heck out of me, but I now had two little girls that are crazy about me too! Feeling blessed couldn¡¯t begin to describe the emotions that swelled within me.

    The reception line moved a little slowly. Laura and I made a point to really greet everyone and be sure that those who didn¡¯t receive a written invitation were strongly urged to join the reception, and most did.

    Megan was the last in line and gave Laura a big hug as Megan told her to take good care of me.

    She turned to me with a smile and tears flowing. ¡°I know¡­ I¡¯m the one that broke your road. You know how much I regret it but, like you sang, it led you to this wonderful woman and her awesome little girls.¡± She turned to Laura. ¡°They were so cute and beautiful this morning.¡± Looking back and forth between us she continued, ¡°I really am happy for you both and thank God he brought you together!¡±

    We hugged her, thanked her, and invited her to the reception.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I should,¡± she said. ¡°Ben, I know you¡¯ve forgiven me and I feel that, but I haven¡¯t been able to clear the air with your family. I don¡¯t think this is the place to do that. Plus, I have to go get ready to move!¡± she said with a smile. ¡°Oh, and Ben, the music, all of it, was amazing! I would have paid a lot just to hear it all! And your song¡­ oh my gosh!¡± Looking at Laura she added, ¡°You really didn¡¯t know about his family¡¯s music and that Ben has an amazingly beautiful voice?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Laura replied with a pretend annoyance. ¡°He managed to keep that from me!¡±

    Megan laughed. ¡°Ben¡¯s singing always made me weak in the knees!¡±

    ¡°I know what you mean!¡± Laura responded. ¡°I was afraid I was going to swoon after the first few notes. I think I¡¯ll have to make him sing something to me every night!¡±

    We said our goodbyes, and Megan walked off looking content and, to my relief, rather happy. I was almost shocked at her ability to put it all in perspective after what she put herself through. I was happy for her.

 Chapter 26. Party Time

    Laura and I joined the reception, Pastor Browning introduced us again, and then he said the blessing for the meal. It was served buffet style, so the pastor asked that the wedding party be allowed to go first, and then he took charge of organizing the order in which each table was welcomed to go to the line. The setup was perfect to move people through quickly.

    We had an iPod setup for background music during the meal. As my family finished eating, they moved their instruments to the center of the room since we weren¡¯t using amplification. They were done moving just as the last of the guests were finishing up their meal.

    Laura and the two moms pulled together photos of the two of us as children, teens, and early adulthood. They added the pictures we had of us together and with the girls. They were put into PowerPoint to loop continuously and project them on a large screen. And, to my embarrassment, the photo of me in the makeup the girls playfully applied was there. I¡¯m sure it was in the collection multiple times because it came up rather frequently!

    My dad announced it was time for Laura and me to have the first dance, then her father would dance with Laura while my mother danced with me. Everyone was invited to join after that.

    Laura and I moved to the dance floor as my family played ¡°Amazed¡± by Lonestar. My brother Dan sang lead while the family joined in with vocals. The steel guitar, the violin, all of it was as good as the original. We moved slowly, basking in the joy of our embrace. The emotions of the day melted into a warm glow between us. Our touch was electric. Our love for each other was radiant and on display for all to see. It was another perfect moment etched in my mind forever.

    The rest of the reception had normal events that happen at such gatherings. The only difference was my family¡¯s music. I¡¯d forgotten how beautiful and professional they are. I found myself missing those days. They were given lots of breaks so they could enjoy the party too. The iPod was set to fill in, but my dad had some other surprises. Nine of my nieces and nephews had been working together as their own music group. They ranged in age from seven to eighteen. They took over and played some sets, and they were spectacular. My brother Ron¡¯s oldest son was getting almost as good on guitar as my dad, who has been his teacher. Occasionally other talented friends or relatives sat at the piano or played guitar. It was a glorious jam session. We¡¯d have to do this again without waiting for a wedding to give us a reason.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    I used the word ¡°perfect¡± a lot, but that¡¯s what the previous months had been. That day had been perfect to that point, but that night I expected the meaning of perfection would fall far short of an adequate description.

    Throughout the afternoon, Laura and I would catch each other¡¯s eyes as we visited with our guests. We¡¯d make silly faces at each other clearly speaking of our impatience for the honeymoon to begin. We planned to spend our wedding night in our own bed at home.

    Our bed! That had a wonderful sound to it.

    Hanna and Mattie were going home with Laura¡¯s folks to stay for ten days. The next afternoon Laura and I were flying to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, then driving to stay near Lake Louise. It was one of the most beautiful areas in North America, but I only wanted to see my beautiful wife.

    Hanna, Mattie, and Laura¡¯s parents were getting ready to leave around 4:30. We were hugging them all goodbye as Hanna had me lift her so Laura and I could both hug her. She moved her head back and looked at me in the eyes with a twinkle. Then she said, ¡°You keep being nice to my mom, and thanks for being my dad!¡± She gave me butterfly kisses on the cheek and lips and pulled back into a hug. ¡°I love you, Daddy and Mommy!¡±

    I put her down and said, ¡°We¡¯ll call you and Mattie every night, sweetie. I love you too!¡± She walked off with her grandparents looking back at us several times smiling.

    ¡°The way you are with the girls warms my heart more than you can imagine! You¡¯re quite a man, Ben Hawkins! And you¡¯re all mine!¡± she exclaimed with a kiss.

    ¡°And you¡¯re all mine, Mrs. Hawkins! Mind, soul, heart, and body! Speaking of which, shouldn¡¯t we go and start claiming ownership of each other¡¯s bodies?¡± I asked with a smirk and look of impatience.

    ¡°I thought you¡¯d never ask!¡±

    We went to say goodbye to the folks that remained. It was hard to say goodbye to my family. We lived far enough away that we couldn¡¯t see one another regularly. And I couldn¡¯t find the words to thank them enough for taking part in the surprise for Laura. Their contributions made the day a thousand times more special.

    Sarah and Bobby were helping to coordinate putting the room back in order to make it ready for Sunday school activities in the morning. Only a few folks remained as we left to start our lives together as man and wife.

 Chapter 27. Glorious Consummation

    Thankfully, the drive home was not a long one. Laura was squeezing my hand so tight it almost hurt, but that was all right with me. We stole a few smooches as we started the car¡­ then at every stop sign¡­ and red light¡­ and again as we pulled into the driveway.

    I shut down the engine and made sure she waited for me to open her door. I could see she wanted to get in the house quickly.

    I held her hand as she exited the car. ¡°Shall we enter our castle, Mrs. Hawkins?¡±

    Her face glowed. Her eyes sparkled.

    As she stood, I rather smoothly picked her up and kissed her as I held her and carried her to the front door. I managed to hold her as we entered. I closed the door and bolted it with one hand. Our lips and mouths remained locked as our tongues began sparring like they were in a frantic sword fight. Our arms and hands tried to pull us together to form a single body. We were heavily charged with passion, sending shock waves of energy to and through each other. Minutes later we slowly pulled back a bit and looked deeply into each other¡¯s eyes. I gently put Laura down, never breaking our gaze. She simply took my hand and led me to our marital bed.

    Sarah and Laura had prepared the room for romance. Laura didn¡¯t know that Sarah left a gift basket on our bed with three bottles of our favorite merlot, two personalized commemorative glasses, and a lovely card with a slightly risqu¨¦ message ¨C

    ¡°Bobby and I hope that ¡®consummating¡¯ is a very tame description of your night.

    Go wild, have fun, and just remember that about 200 people know exactly what you¡¯re doing!

    Love, Sarah and Bobby.

    ¡°I love those two!¡± Laura exclaimed.

    ¡°Oh yeah!¡±

    Laura put the card down and turned to look in my eyes. ¡°So, Mr. Hawkins¡­ What would you like to do now?¡±

    I removed my jacket, placed it over the chair next to our bed, and positioned her while standing with her back to the bed.

    ¡°Mrs. Hawkins, nothing would please me more than to remove everything you¡¯re wearing, taking great care to slowly reveal every beautiful view I¡¯ve only been able to imagine until now!¡±

    ¡°Be my guest!¡± she replied with a little blush and a coquettish smile.

    I reached behind her, still maintaining the connection through our eyes, and slowly unzipped her dress. As I did she removed the vine from her hair and fluffed it out until it flowed freely but still held its shape. It splendidly framed her gorgeous face and made her shoulders even more desirable as it draped over them so gently. As her dress loosened, I slowly slid it down while gently caressing its path with my touch.

    ¡°Ohhh!¡± she whispered as I started to kiss her neck and shoulders, then along her collar bone. I met her forehead with mine, gently kissing her nose. I ran my tongue lightly over her lips and penetrated her mouth with my tongue as my hand caressed her neck. I moved a bit to her side while our tongues kept dancing. My free hand began to flow over her like a conductor leading a sweet symphony¡­ gently touching her neck¡­ over her shoulders¡­ across the top of her chest¡­ down her arm¡­ then moving across her stomach below her lacy white bra. The clasp was thankfully in the front. I gently opened it while moving my kisses to her neck. Her bra fell away, and I heard her sigh. Laura¡¯s breathing became more pronounced.

    Her sighs heightened the sexual tension. A sweet fragrance from the candles pleasantly attacked my senses. I pulled back and looked into her eyes. I could see the love and lust welling up within her. Our lips met again. I prolonged taking in the sight I knew stood before me. The tension and impatience grew to a boiling point within us both.

    Finally, I pulled back to absorb the sight of her uncovered beauty. I gasped with pleasure.

    ¡°Oh wow!¡± I uttered like a schoolboy seeing his first pair of breasts.

    My peripheral vision took in more of the glorious view to be absorbed. I moved my gaze lower and, for the first time, I saw her garter belt, stockings, and a pair of white lacy panties. The vision sent pulsations straight to my groin.

    ¡°Meet with your approval?

    ¡°You¡¯re more beautiful than I imagined, and I have a very good imagination!¡± She blushed a little and momentarily look embarrassed at my close inspection.

    I gently cupped her breasts and began kissing the first one, then the other. At first, I avoided the most sensitive part, but then gently worked my way to her nipples. They already stood out in anticipation. My mouthed covered the areola on her right breast as I drew her nipple into my hungry mouth. She threw her head back with a moan of pleasure. I began nibbling with varying strength until her response told me I had it just right. My right hand stimulated her left breast mimicking the sensations I created with my lips and tongue on her right breast. I maintained my attention for several minutes, switching my mouth and hands back and forth between the twin treasures.

    I slowly started to move away from her nipples. I sensed mild disappointment in a sigh, but she knew greater sensations awaited. I drifted my mouth¡¯s attention up toward her lips again and took the time to kiss her deeply and passionately. The anticipation was thick enough to cut with a knife. Love-filled lust streamed between us.

    I felt her swaying, slightly unsteady from standing while enduring the fire building within. I eased her into sitting position on the edge of the bed as I pulled away from our kiss I slowly moved south with my lips, gently sucking, licking, and kissing. I moved down over her neck¡­ the tender spots on her shoulders and collar bone¡­ I lingered slightly on one breast, then the other¡­ then working my way down her abdomen and across her waist just above her panty line. I kept tenderly kissing her stomach looking for spots that didn¡¯t tickle but caused a pleasure response from her.

    I continued my oral exploration of her tummy while I undid the clasps on her stockings. I moved my mouth over the side of her panties and down each leg as I rolled each stocking down, one after the other, and removed her shoes. Gentle licks, sucks, and kisses greeted each leg as I freed it from her hosiery. My mouth dwelled on each thigh, the back of her knees, and down her calves to her ankles. I caressed them, stimulated her sense of pleasure, letting each nerve send her jolts of bliss ¡­ letting me find more tender points to remember.

    I passed over her panties barely touching them. The scent from her arousal was sweet and flowery. I found it hypnotic¡­ trying to draw me in to where I wasn¡¯t ready to go. Moisture coated her panties giving evidence to her body¡¯s preparation for loving. Her breathing was heavy¡­ her body quivered from the stimulation¡­ her senses were at full attention¡­ her chest continued heaving with passion.

    It would not take long to bring her over the top. Her body was very responsive. I learned that lesson well in our passionate experiences on our favorite chair, so I knew I could bring her to multiple orgasms without concern of my coming too soon. That eased a concern that had crept into my head.

    Her sighs and moans softly cried for release. She was on the edge. I wanted to remove the last shreds of clothing that covered the glorious valley, but I wanted her to stay on edge. I needed to pull back¡­ let her passion brew a bit. She¡¯d find anticipation would be worth the wait. I started to stand and heard her softly moan, ¡°Noooo¡± in her desire for me to continue my loving assault on her senses. I brought our lips together and moved to whisper in her ear.

    ¡°Your turn to unwrap your wedding present!¡± I suggested

    I stood before her within her reach. My tie was long gone. She quickly unbuttoned my shirt. Her patience was being tested. Her hands ran over my bare chest and I felt her kisses fueling my excitement. Her eyes took in what was exposed to her. Roughly pulling off my shirt, I was rewarded with loving licks and kisses on my nipples... not gentle... but not too rough either. Her attention moved from my chest to my abdomen and every nerve stood at attention awaiting the next touch, caress, or kiss. She knew there would be time later to explore. I slipped my shoes off without bending or moving as she lightly bit my stomach.

    Laura briefly stood and hugged me. Her naked breasts crushed into my chest. I felt even more a part of her. She looked at me and whispered, ¡°I¡¯ve wanted to feel that skin to skin hug since we first met!¡± She deeply kissed me while reaching for my belt buckle and freeing it.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    She sat back down and undid the button at the top of my trousers. It was my turn to start breathing heavily. I felt soft moans of anticipation form in my throat. Slowly pulling down my zipper, I felt her hand run along the hardness still hidden beneath. The moans started to escape from my throat and past my tongue. She was paying me back, not really teasing, but building anticipation. My trousers fell down and I quickly helped so I could step out of them while removing each sock. We were equally clothed¡ªor unclothed as it were.

    The outline of my throbbing member beneath my boxers was hard to miss. She gently ran her fingers over it bringing louder moans from the depths of my being. I voiced a gasp of pleasure from her gentle kiss on the tip through my shorts.

    ¡°Someone likes the attention,¡± she observed. ¡°There¡¯s something hidden in here I¡¯ve wanted for a long time,¡± she said as she pulled my shorts down. Now my knees were weak.

    Laura looked closely at the site unveiled and gasped with wide eyes as she took hold with both hands. She looked up at me with delight on her face.

    ¡°I knew it was rather big from sitting on your lap so often, but wow! I hope we fit!¡±

    Her words stoked my confidence. I¡¯m not breaking any size records, but I knew I was a little above average in length and thickness. How much, I don¡¯t know. I never made it a hobby to compare.

    ¡°Do I meet with your approval?¡± I asked.

    ¡°And then some!¡± she replied. ¡°This is going to be fun, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°I think that¡¯s a given!¡± I replied. ¡°We¡¯re gonna have a blast!¡±

    I bent over and picked her up in my arms and deeply kissed her. The passion was boiling hotter than ever as we held our mouths together while I gently laid her down in the middle of the bed. Our hands explored freely while our tongues continued to intertwine. I stroked her hair and stimulated her nipples as she gently caressed my manhood. She shivered in delight when my hands gently ran down her body. My attention stayed above her waist. Her body quivered as tension rebuilt quickly.

    After several minutes I broke the kiss and slowly worked my way down her body. I kissed above the garter belt and panty line. Her breathing increased again. She sighed whimpered sounds of arousal. My lips moved over her legs and kissed her thighs. Almost involuntarily her legs moved apart, and I started kissing all around her paradise region over her panties without giving in to making direct contact on her most tender center of pleasure.

    I could see her engorged labia through the white and thoroughly soaked panties as my teasing kisses continued. Gently, I stroked down the center of her moist crevice with my finger. She ran the fingers from both hands through my hair. She gasped as her hands moved to clutch the sheets on either side of her. I assumed it was a small orgasm. There were larger ones to come.

    My kisses travelled over her panties to the source of her moisture. The wonderful aroma and taste overwhelmed my senses. I could spend hours in that spot just drinking it in with my eyes and tongue. But we were both ready. It was time.

    I knelt and slowly removed her panties and garter belt. She was fully exposed before me. My love and desire filled to overflowing as I gazed on the most breathtaking site imaginable.

    Her face glowed¡­ her smile warmed me and begged for what was to come¡­ her breasts stood firm with protruding nipples proclaiming her excitement. Her pubic hair was neatly groomed, framing the moist entrance to my destination. Love personified lay before me. I was overcome with emotion and desire.

    My mouth was drawn to taste her. More quickly than before, I kissed her legs on the way to my target. The aroma was heavenly. I kissed and gently licked all around without hitting the most sensitive areas. A few moments passed, and my tongue made its way to the juicy center. Her taste flamed my passion. My tongue moved with varying pressure and technique all around her waiting channel, through the center, and around the sides from the bottom to the top of her love canal.

    I was in my glory. I could feast here until I passed out from hunger. She was feeding me all I wanted.

    Laura was gasping, uttering moans of pleasure. She had no words to describe what she felt. No words would suffice. She was lightly writhing, not yet an orgasm but not far from it. Her clitoris was unhooded and was begging for attention. I complied for a moment. She wanted her the release, but I wasn¡¯t giving it to her this way. Not this time!

    As I moved up her body her legs drew widely apart with erotically impressive flexibility. I came face to face with the woman I loved and looked into her eyes as I moved into position for what we wanted¡­ for what we needed. We found ourselves in each other¡¯s gaze. We were prepared. We longed for this moment for months. I ran my fingers through her hair and softly said, ¡°Laura Hawkins, I am completely and fully in love with you. Shall we finish our connection? Really become one?¡±

    ¡°Please!¡± she begged.

    I entered her slowly but completely. We both gasped as if we were breathing life into something¡­ or someone new. We¡¯re a new being. Two became one. The physical sensations were magnificent, but the connected love overwhelmed our senses and emotions. We stared adoringly into each other¡¯s souls. The bond became unbreakably strong. Our love was all around us¡­ within us¡­ through us.

    This moment was everything we dreamed it would be. The beauty exceeded my dreams. The wait tested our resolve, but it was more than worth it.

    We savored the joining. Our lips and tongues met with urgency. Our eyes remained open and locked onto each other. I stared into the blue-gray sea reflecting back at me and saw the depths of her very being, and I saw myself in that sea with her.

    Our eyes slowly closed. I became more aware of the physical sensations. Our hearts beat together. I was throbbing with passion inside a warm, moist, velvety sleeve. She contracted and pulsed around me, hugging my cock as it was completely welcomed in its new home. This was where it belonged. This was where I belonged.

    I slowly began to move in and out. Her canal gripped me as I pulled back as if to keep me from leaving, and hugged me each time I returned to full penetration. She gasped with each thrust. Mutual moans floated through our kiss. I increased the pace as I sensed her need.

    The movement made it difficult to maintain the connection at our lips. I raised my head to look into her eyes. Our minds embraced the overwhelming sense that we had built the circle of completion. We were physically connected in the most intimate way. Our minds and souls connected in our eyes. We were immersed in love almost as if we were floating under warm water.

    Minutes passed. Our breathing became heavier. Laura¡¯s vocal utterances were louder and intense. She was squirming more strongly than ever. I felt her tense up. I increased the pace into a higher gear. Her love canal squeezed me so tightly it almost hurt in a most delightful way. We both sensed immense pleasure and the fulfillment of our deepest needs.

    Her eyes closed tightly. She went rigid and ceased to breathe, then let out a shout and cry. Her vocal serenade of pleasure filled me with a sense of love and fulfillment¡ªas if I gave her a great gift. We were giving each other our greatest gifts. We gave each other all of ourselves, and all of our love.

    As she gasped for breath I stopped moving to let her recover. She slowly opened her eyes and flooded my soul with pleasure and love. She was content in the moment, but the moment wasn¡¯t over. She felt me throbbing within her. I asked if she was ready and she shook her head ¡°Yes¡± with eagerness. I slowly began to thrust again and sensed she wanted me harder and faster. Her legs were behind my back¡­ pulling me into her¡­ setting the pace. I matched her rhythm. She pulled her legs up, bringing her feet above her shoulders and rocked her hips upwards. I was now as deep within her as possible. The fit was perfect as I felt myself against her cervix ¨C making contact but not causing pain. We were made to fit perfectly. This is where we both belonged. Together!

    Laura was breathing even faster and deeper. Every thrust was met with an exclamation. ¡°Yes! Yes! Oh yes! Harder! Oh my! Keep going! Yes! Yes! Ooh I¡¯m coming! Yes!¡±

    My own release was near. It was always difficult to plan climaxing together, but that¡¯s what we were building towards. Her moans and cries became louder and louder. I felt like a firehose in my balls had been opened. There was no stopping now.

    Laura screamed louder than I thought humanly possible in a huge orgasm. My deeper voice joined her in a passion-filled chorus as I filled her with months of pent-up anticipation. Her body reacted to each pulse, feeling the streams against her womb. The volume of fluid was greater than I¡¯d ever produced. Weeks of holding back, high emotion, passion, and love built the foundation for this moment. The intensity of the climax was as if every cell in my body exploded in bliss. I was spent in every glorious way possible. Laura looked almost unconscious, but immensely satisfied.

    I collapsed without putting too much weight on her. I was still hard inside her. She relaxed her legs and I rolled us over putting her on top of me while keeping us in contact and staying within her. She started to recover¡­ she was back to the present. We locked our mouths together passionately. Our grasp felt like we were frantically trying to pull our bodies into one being.

    How do you rate one kiss against another? This had all the passion equal to any time we ever made out, but it also felt like the final passage of a great symphony. All the joy, the complete bonding, the physical and spiritual connection, and satisfaction, the unbridled love¡ªall of that came through our lips, our tongues, our mouths, our eyes, and our mashed-together bodies.

    As we finally parted lips she collapsed her head on my shoulder. Miraculously I was still inside her, not rock solid but hard enough to stay in.

    We spent time just holding, cuddling, recovering. If physically possible we could stay this way forever.

    Laura finally broke the silence of the afterglow. She let out a great breath and sighed. ¡°If it¡¯s always going to be like this, we may never leave the bedroom!

    I laughed. ¡°This was special for so many reasons, but I know it will always be great with you!¡±

    ¡°I believe you!¡± She said ¡°I don¡¯t know how I deserve to be so happy, so loved, and so in love¡­ but I am. I love you, Ben!¡±

    ¡°And I love you, Laura.¡±

    We were too spent to even kiss. She just snuggled into me in blissful joy and contentment. She slid off me as I softened too much to stay in her. We just snuggled and rested for about half an hour.

    As some energy returned, we decided we needed a shower¡ªand we¡¯d do it together! We consummated our bonds the way it should happen.

    Now¡­ it was playtime!

    We showered, soaped, rinsed, played, explored, and talked. We mostly talked about some of the things we¡¯d like to do to each other and with each other when we made love. We had a long list of options, each sure to keep the variety levels high and excitement higher.

    The water was getting cool, so we stepped out and dried off. As fast as we could we went right back to bed, finding a dry spot, and made love again.

    That evening and night we had three showers. The hot water never really recovered so the last two showers weren¡¯t long, but more of a playful rinse. We went through two sets of sheets before we came up with the idea of using a furry afghan as a ¡°sex¡± blanket. We enjoyed a total of five glorious sessions of lovemaking. Every time except the fourth we chose positions where we could look into each other¡¯s eyes. Sessions two and four were very hot, heavy, and passionate, while three and five were gentle and nurturing, but still had plenty of heat. By the fifth we were both a little sore, but gently finished what we started. Laura was in cowgirl position and collapsed on me as we both came. She gently slid off to my side and we held each other through a night of well-earned, love-filled sleep.

    I woke in the middle of the night and just laid in bed holding the most amazing woman in the world. I didn¡¯t know how strong love could be until these past few months. I found myself wondering if we were built with a maximum love capacity. I wanted to believe it was infinite so my love for Laura could continue to grow without limits.

    I thought of our family and the chance it could grow. I thought of her terrible past that led her to me, and my personal trial that brought me to her. I laid there and prayed with overwhelming joy, love, and thankfulness for Laura, and praised God for bringing us together. I had so many blessings to count!

    Tears of joy were flowing freely. Laura stirred feeling the dampness hitting her cheek. She looked up at me with glowing eyes even through the sleepiness.

    ¡°Anything wrong?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely nothing!¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯m overcome with how you and I were brought together, and how blessed I am!¡±

    ¡°I know what you mean.¡± She paused. ¡°Anyone ever tell you that you cry a lot?¡±

    I laughed. ¡°No. But you figured out my emotions ride near the surface. I always felt like a little girl¡­ crying so much. But I came to accept that¡¯s who I am and I¡¯m not ashamed of it.¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be ashamed. It¡¯s one of the things I love about you!¡± I pulled her tight to me.

    After a moment she pulled back and looked at me. ¡°A little girl, huh?¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡± I sighed.

    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re just getting in touch with your feminine side?¡± she added.

    I chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t think I have a feminine side to get in touch with.¡±

    ¡°You sure?¡± she asked.

    ¡°If I did, I¡¯d be touching it all the time!¡± I said as I grabbed her breast while laughing.

    She rolled around in hysterics letting out a hearty belly laugh. ¡°You¡¯re naughty sometimes, you know, Ben?¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± I said. Then thought to add, ¡°Besides, if I had a feminine side, it would be a lesbian!¡±

    She lost herself in laughter. Finally rolling back to me she looked in my face and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to love every minute with you, Mr. Hawkins!¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Hawkins,¡± I replied. ¡°I¡¯m going to make sure you do, because I EXTREEMLY like¡­ and love you!¡±

    With a smile and a kiss, we drifted back to sleep completely content, and overwhelmingly fulfilled.

 Chapter 28. Epilogue

    Five years have come and gone since the day of the wedding.

    Laura and I found a new home and took possession in November¡­ three months after we were married. It was only a street away from Sarah and Bobby, and closer to our church and the school where Laura taught and Hanna attended. It was a beautiful five-bedroom home with a great kitchen, open floor plan, and a large back patio complete with an outdoor kitchen. There was enough room to put in a pool if we so decided.

    One important feature, one we demanded in our list of must-haves, was the large master bedroom with an ensuite and a very large shower with multiple shower heads and a seat. It was the perfect play space. Almost every shower we took was together.

    The other, and most important consideration was that the master suite was far away from the other four bedrooms. This became a necessity when Hanna approached Laura and I one evening and her question made it clear that she could hear us in the bedroom.

    While we¡¯re talking about Hanna, she was now fourteen and was as good a teenager as Laura and I could hope for. She had a real heart for God and for people in general. She was a beautiful girl, very much favoring her mother. Laura once said she was so thankful neither girl looked anything like their biological father. Me too!

    Hanna became a very accomplished pianist and had a fantastic voice. She and I have been singing duets at church now for about four years. She also had done some solos and always brought tears to my eyes when she did. Yes, I still cried a lot.

    Laura also had a beautiful voice and had joined Hanna and me as a trio on occasion. It turns out she also played the piano very well but hadn¡¯t had one since she was a child. I took care of that void on our first Christmas together. We had a designated music room in the new house and we were filling it up quickly.

    Mattie held a tune very well too. Her voice is just starting to mature and her tone is gorgeous. She began violin lessons and I was teaching her some guitar.

    Mattie was growing to be a beautiful girl. She was more rugged looking that Hanna, maybe a little tomboyish, but still was very beautiful. She was more strong-willed that Hanna, but she was also a very well-behaved young lady. She had something of an artist mentality, which can be a challenge. Two weeks ago, we had ¡°THE¡± talk with her because she was starting to ask questions based on things she heard from friends. It went well but I think we¡¯ll need to watch her closer than had been necessary with Hanna!

    July of the year following the wedding, Laura and I welcomed Collin into the world. He¡¯s now four and a true boy terror. Laura was used to girls, so Collin was more of a challenge for her. But her teacher discipline skills really paid off with him. I found the need to be more of a disciplinarian with our son, but we were very close and enjoyed our sports and man time together.

    Hanna loved taking care of her brother. She¡¯s also secure that I was true to my word. I loved Hanna and Mattie just as if they were my biological children. As far as I¡¯m concerned, they were my children. No one went without kisses and hugs and feeling treasured, because they truly are. Every Thursday night was a date night with daddy. Each of our angels takes a turn going with daddy to the Chinese restaurant. It was a true high point for me every week.

    Our last addition (and final thanks to some snipping I had done) was two-year-old Bekah. She had some medical issues with her lungs after birth, but had become a strong, healthy, and happy child. I started including her in the date night rotation. I could get lost in her little giggles, which seemed to flow nonstop.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Laura¡¯s dad passed unexpectedly from a heart attack last year at the age of sixty. We grew very close over the years and I really missed him. Laura¡¯s mom, Helen, moved in with us the day John died. She¡¯s been a joy to have here and was starting to recover from her loss. She has been a great help with the kids and has been very active at our church.

    Helen and Laura had the same openness that Laura had developed with Hanna. She shared that the night John died, they had made love. After they made out for a while as the fire died down, they ended the evening with a hug, words of gratitude, and told each other of their love. They drifted off to sleep and he never awoke. Helen shared that she felt guilt, but Laura set her straight. Making love didn¡¯t hurt her dad. If anything, he had the most awesome sendoff into the next life anyone could ask for. He knew he was loved!

    Once that was off her chest, we saw a change for the better in Helen. She¡¯s still a beautiful woman (How can she not be? Laura looks just like her) and she became friendly with a gentleman from church who was about five years younger than her. She asked Laura the other night if it was too soon to consider marriage, so I think they were getting rather serious.

    Sarah and Bobby now have two children. Their little girl, Deanna, was almost five. Their son, Matthew, was born a month before Bekah. I told them, jokingly, of course, to keep him away from Bekah. In the back of my mind, I think it would be great if their children and ours fell for each other. It would be great being more closely related to that loved and loving family.

    My business was doing very well. I creatively added Sarah to my staff (which is only Sarah and me) as an administrative assistant. She was a huge help on many levels. She not only worked for me, but she ran a daycare in my basement office for our children and theirs.

    Recently, we added another child to the daycare mix, which brings me to where Megan was these days. She started coming to our church and met a wonderful man who was ten years her senior, Dave Pearson. They were married a year after Laura and I were, and live in my old house. When they wed, they bought out my half of the home ownership. They also had a little boy, born about two years ago, who was now in Sarah¡¯s informal daycare.

    It was heartwarming to see Megan reclaim her life and build a strong foundation. Laura and I do socialize with Megan and Dave, although it was mostly with Sarah and Bobby too. I¡¯m so glad we were comfortable with each other. I didn¡¯t know if it could ever be that way, but I thanked God it was.

    Was everything perfect? No, we were all human and have our faults. But I couldn¡¯t imagine life being better. Laura and I never had a disagreement on a significant issue, much less have we ever had a heated argument. Fortunately, that scary night at the mall a week before our wedding was the worst test we¡¯ve faced. Laura realized several days after that incident that she was so used to managing the girls by herself that she needed to change her thinking to make me her parent-partner. We both were comfortable with the responsibility God had assigned us, and the honor that came with that loving role.

    My only habit that annoyed her was that I tended to put socks and shirts in the laundry inside out. I tried to be good, but occasionally messed up.

    What was Laura¡¯s habit that tweaked me? She liked to leave lights on in rooms that are unoccupied. It was a pet peeve I think I inherited from my dad. I fixed that by putting motion-sensing light switches in rooms like the laundry, bathrooms, and closets. She pretended to be annoyed by my solution, but I secretly think she was happy to avoid my nagging.

    Laura and I showed no signs of slowing down in our passion. We didn¡¯t make love every night, and some nights we make love two or three times. It was not planned. Whatever happened is spontaneous.

    But without fail, we went to bed every night at least an hour before we wanted to sleep. We may not always make love in the coupling sense, but every night we loved each other with caresses, cuddles, kisses, and roving hands. Massages were frequent especially when her monthly visitor arrived. They gave us even more opportunities to explore and transmit love through our touch. We both decided we liked to sleep in the nude. The closeness we felt was so warm and comforting, and nightclothes just seemed to get in the way. And we used that big shower to its full potential, sharing the water pretty much every day.

    We did plan certain evenings as play-dates. Experimentation, toys, new positions, and other fun things were all in play. Some stayed in our repertoire, others were one-and-done. Again, there was no set schedule. But once a week on average, somewhere during the day one of us would give the secret sign that tonight is playtime¡ªa pointer finger to the tip of the nose and an impish smile. We¡¯ve never turned the other down for playtime requests.

    I started every day the same. I have a comfortable chair in my office where I could close the door, sit, and start the day in prayer and reflection. Starting each morning focusing on your blessings sets the tone for a wonderful day.

    Occasionally I would feel a little sense of dread that things could enter our lives and challenge us. But I knew I could face them with joy because I¡¯ve seen God¡¯s hand direct our lives and I trusted His plan. He¡¯s taken two people whose lives were a complete mess and brought us together to share a love neither of us thought possible.

    Our two broken roads brought us together.

    Have you ever tried to define infinity or how big the universe is? Words fall far short. The same is true if I tried to describe the joy that was born from those crooked paths!